11 Things I Do To Manage My Anxiety

Before I get into the main part of this post, I want to put two disclaimers out there:

First, everyone’s experience with anxiety is different. Things that work for me might not work for you. All I’m trying to do is give you some ideas that might help.

Second, anything I link to on Amazon will be an affiliate link. I’m just trying to earn enough money so that I can keep writing these posts for you.

So, let’s get into it, shall we?

 

First, I cannot stress enough the importance of just generally taking care of yourself.

Drink enough water.

Eat less junk food and more good-for-you-foods.

Get enough sleep.

Don’t get me wrong, though. I struggle with this stuff sometimes. A lot of the time actually. Especially drinking enough water. But I know that it helps me, so I really need to figure out some things to help me do it more consistently. (Hmmmm… I smell a blog post idea…)

 

Second, praying and reading my Bible. I know I might get some people who will scoff and close this page, or leave an upset comment below, but it’s the truth. Making a point of taking the time in the morning – every morning – to communicate with God, by talking with Him and reading His Word, has made a drastic difference from when I used to do it every once in a while.

 

Third, journaling. I often do it alongside my devotional time, but sometimes I don’t get to it until later in the day. Sometimes I write out a prayer, sometimes I just need to get the thoughts spinning in my head out onto paper. But just sitting down and writing out whatever it is I need to write that day really calms me and settles me.

Fourth, I started taking a probiotic, and it has made a world of difference. In more ways than just my anxiety, but trying to stay on topic. 😉

I don’t know all of the science-y stuff to explain why it helps, but I do know that it has immensely helped me. If your anxiety is at all related to digestive issues, like mine likely is, a probiotic will most likely make a difference for you, because it will help your gut to heal.

Here’s a link to the one that I take, but do your own research. Different strains are good for different things/reasons: https://amzn.to/2WYdSgd

 

Fifth, I take a supplement that my mother recommended to me called Rhodiola. It is called an adaptogen, and it is said that it helps regulate your heartbeat, and generally help your body deal with stress. This has made a drastic difference in my anxiety level just between days I remember to take it, and when I forget. Again, though, do your own research and decide if it’s something you want to try for yourself. Here’s the one I take: https://amzn.to/2D2ZHir

 

Sixth, another supplement – last one I promise. Gaba Calm. This is the one I swear by. The one I never skip. I order it way ahead of when I’m going to run out, because I don’t want to ever not have it on hand. It does make me drowsy, though, so I personally take it at night – and then it gives me the added benefit of helping me sleep. You can take it three times a day, though, and I sometimes will if I really need it. It is a little pricey, but for me, it’s more than worth it. And since I only take it once a day, this bottle lasts me almost four months, unless I’m dealing with a lot and end up taking it more than just once a day more frequently. But, again. Do your own research. Just because it works really well for me, doesn’t mean it will be the same for you. Here’s a link to the one I take: https://amzn.to/2YZSkBJ

 

Seventh, going for a walk or a run. When the nerves just aren’t settling, sometimes a walk or a run is just the thing I need to settle me down. And the vitamin D I’m getting from the sunshine also helps my body to settle down.

 

Eighth, the one you’ve probably heard a million and one times – breathing. The 4-7-8 breathing technique has done wonders for me, but just breathing deeply and evenly can really calm you down. My husband will have me try to sync my breathing with his as he breathes deeply. I know it can be hard to concentrate on it, but it really does help.

 

Ninth, a stress ball or Silly Putty. The second one of those options probably has you confused, but both actually serve about the same purpose. The stress ball gives you something to grip, and Silly Putty gives you something to grip, squish, pull at, or whatever other motion might help you personally to calm down.

 

Tenth, cut the caffeine. Another piece of advice that you’ve probably heard a million times before, but it’s very true. Caffeine is one of the worst things for anxiety. It will give you lots of “jitteries” as I like to call them.

 

Eleventh, I diffuse essential oils. I personally love lemon and orange to settle me down and boost my mood. And there’s the bonus benefit of your room/apartment/house smelling amazing, too. And yes, I know that lavender oil exists, I’m just one of the few people in the world that lavender actually makes me *more* anxious, rather than relaxing me. That was a fun night I discovered that. But if it works for you, that’s awesome, it’s so easy to get lavender scented things.

 

Well, that’s my list – for now at least. I’m always looking for new things that could help, though, so if you have things I didn’t mention that help you, be sure to let me know in the comments so I can give them a try too!