PLEASE SHARE THIS TO HELP THOSE WHO MAY BE SUFFERING FROM ANXIETY IN SILENCE, YOU NEVER KNOW WHO MIGHT NEED TO HEAR THIS TODAY x
I thought I’d answer this question in depth as I know that advice like this could be important to even one person struggling with anxiety. Pls note that this doesn’t fix my anxiety, it just manages it, and what works for me may not work for you! Feel free to share this to your blogs to help out others x
IRRATIONAL THOUGHTS: I think one of the main things to outline about anxiety is that the things you fear are irrational. I naturally worry about things that I really don’t need to worry about. (For example: making a mistake at work. In reality nobody really cares if I make mistakes or not, it’s a part of life, however to me it seems like the end of the world). Identifying that your thoughts and feelings are irrational is a difficult but important step in managing your anxiety. Making yourself aware that you’re being silly, and that you’re only human is extremely important. It makes it easier to forgive yourself if mistakes do happen, as it’s perfectly normal.
FACING YOUR FEAR: Anxiety comes in many forms, but avoiding a situation because of your fears only increases your anxiety. I know it sounds daunting to face your fears head on, but if avoiding it puts your mind at rest for a week, it’ll be double worse next time round. (For example: if you fear going to work, continuously taking sick days and finding excuses not to go in only means that the next time you do have to go in, you will fear it ten times more than originally, so it’s best to try and ‘get it over with’ from the get go). Plus, once you do face your fear and stop avoiding anxiety-fuelling activities, you will realise they’re not so bad, and eventually your anxiety will decrease from this source.
DISTRACTION: Often when experiencing anxiety or feeling anxious about something in particular, it takes over our minds and doesn’t allow much progress in our daily activities to take place. Purposely distracting yourself from the anxiety means that you almost ‘forget’ about it for even a few seconds. This form of distraction can be as little as counting up to 100 or as physical as doing an activity where you don’t have time to feel anxious. (Keeping your mind occupied is also really healthy and will help with your overall mental health and mental stimulation).
EARLY NIGHTS/MORNINGS: I know an early night and morning sounds absolutely crap, but from experience I can tell you that it totally helps me feel brighter. At night, if I stay awake past 2am there is no going back. I no longer feel tired, and when it gets ridiculously late, I struggle to fall asleep. This then leaves a lot of free time for my mind to wonder and panic about the small things occurring in my life and then appears my anxiety, which then prevents me from sleeping even more. It’s a vicious circle that you should really try and avoid. Going to bed earlier will also help you get up earlier in the morning. (Constantly staying in bed is a depressive trait and will naturally dampen your mood as the day will go by quicker and not a lot of progress will be made).
BE A YES PERSON: Actively going out and saying yes to things that are rather daunting will help you in the long run. Avoidance only works for so long until things need to get done. My advice is say yes before you can even think about it, therefore you’ve made yourself available and physically can’t get out of it. Therefore you have to do it, and will feel happy about doing so afterwards, which will hopefully encourage you to be an active ‘yes’ person more. Positive outcomes from saying ‘yes’ will also spur you on to continue.
TALK ABOUT IT: Even if people really don’t get it (most people don’t) talking about your anxiety and concerns is really important. It doesn’t matter who you talk to, or even if they respond. Sometimes all of your anxious thoughts can seem like a giant scribble in your head, but one by one talking out your fears and anxiety can help lay it out on the table and clear your head a bit. It’s also nice to know that someone else knows you’re struggling instead of keeping it locked in your head.
LOOK FORWARD: One technique I use with anxiety is to write or type out a bunch of things coming up that I’m really excited for or looking forward to. This doesn’t just have to be with anxiety, its generally a positive activity to do. This means that you have a reason to stick around, a reason to keep on track and stay positive, and motivates you to get other things done beforehand. (This tip helps you appreciate the small things in life and see anxiety as less of an issue in perspective).
DONT TIME KEEP: This may not be everyone, but if i am dreading something and have anxiety about an event or factor in my life, it is all i think about. It completely consumes my mind, and the days where I can relax and have time to myself, I find myself counting down the days until the anxiety-fuelled event is happening. (For example: if i’m worried about work, I will spend all of my days off panicking and trying to clear my head, which wastes my calm time off and consumes my entire week). Try not to count down the days as it really takes a toll on your mood and general anxiety. This is something I’m still working on.
ORGANISATION IS OKAY: Wanting to know the ins and outs of things is okay, and organisation is a desired trait, but don’t let it be the centre of your day. Work on being more loose with plans and be more spontaneous. There doesn’t always have to be an end goal. Planning things to a tee will cause more anxiety if it doesn’t go to plan. Don’t set expectations so they can’t not be met.
(I know that this isn’t going to work for everyone, and advice is easier given than taken, but as someone who has struggled with anxiety for my lifetime, these are all the techniques I have picked up along the way. I am aware that all of these challenges require a lot of willpower, but with an eager mindset it is totally possible! Please don’t hesitate to message me if you need any help or further advice; I’m no professional and I’m in the same place as you are). If anybody wants to add anything to this post then feel free.
I would appreciate this being shared so people who feel alone when struggling with anxiety may see it. Hope this helps!
