For years, I have been consumed with the weight of anxiety that consumes my everyday life. It is an isolating feeling when your anxiety is heightened yet no one can see. These times of distress often cause loneliness because not many understand. Something so big and overpowering to you, could not even cross the minds of others because they haven’t experienced it. I promise you, as lonely as it is, you are not alone in these feelings.
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety can be a combination of both physical and psychological symptoms. Many with anxiety experience body tension, feelings of fear, stress, “lump in your throat” type of feeling, body shakes, and so much more. Anxiety itself can be brought on by a situation or event that triggers a neurological response, or it can be brought on by no reason at all. Often, one of the most difficult aspects of anxiety is determining whether it is anxiety or if it is something more serious (which often causes more anxiety – see how this is a struggle?).
Letting Anxiety Go
I will be honest with you, there isn’t a “one size fits all” for healing anxiety. Although, there are many options that can help you diminish and manage anxiety and anxiety attacks when they arise.
- Healthy Lifestyle – this can be in forms of taking a daily walk, drinking water, lighting a candle, taking a yoga class, and most importantly sleep. Lack of sleep can increase anxiety. This does sound counterproductive as anxiety often keeps us up at night. Although, getting enough sleep will do wonders on your anxiety. Please be sure to prioritize it in your routine. All of these lifestyle changes will bring calmness into your life and help keep your anxiety at bay.
- ICE ICE ICE – I know it sounds crazy, but it really does help. Let’s say you are having anxiety when driving during cold winter months. Turn off your heater and roll down your windows. This shocks your nervous system and allows you to think more clearly. I also bought an ice roller to help with my anxiety. When I feel my anxiety rising, I often will take my ice roller out of the freezer and roll it on my chest. If you don’t have an ice roller, take an ice cube(s) and hold it in your hands. Allow it to melt gently in your hands or rub it on your chest and face. This brings a cooling sensation to your body and mind.
- Lavender Essential Oil – I did not believe this would help me at first, but it did! Lavender itself has the ability to calm the nervous system, decrease inflammation or pain, and improve mood. I usually have a roller ball in my purse, the center console in my car, and at home. I also keep a liquid form I can put in my diffuser. I have got in the habit of putting lavender in my diffuser every night before bed. It is now a routine I swear by. For roller ball use, I will put some behind my ears, chest, and under my nose.
- Anxiety Calming Apps – I have used numerous resources to help keep my anxiety at bay and some of my favorite ones are apps. The app “Calm” and “Dare” are my two favorite apps to use. Calm has meditation music, daily check-ins, sleep playlists and more. Dare, is an app I use specifically when I am mid panic or anxiety attack. Dare provides guided talk throughs and reassurance during these times of distress. They are many options characterized on how you are feeling or what symptoms you are experiencing. They are both free to use and very helpful.
- Medical & Therapeutic Help – Sometimes, doing all of the above just isn’t enough. That’s okay, and there is nothing wrong with you. There are many trained professionals who dedicate their life to help people like you and I. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to reach out. You deserve to be free from anxiety.
Anxiety can come in waves, and because of that, it is important to note or journal these intense anxiety moments so that you can look back and see what helped you, what didn’t, and be proud of how far you’ve come. Even though anxiety can be overwhelming, you have the ability to take your power back and be in control of it. With strategies that work for you and an understanding support system, it is possible to be free from your anxiety.
