I know Anxiety can be so very different to each person. I don’t pretend to tout these methods as a one size fits all. But knowledge is power, and these methods work for me. So, I just wanted to share them with the hopes they can help even one person!
I go for a walk or hike.
It seems so simple, but its actually a widely accepted concept. It comes down to the hypothesis of Edward O. Wilson, called Biophilia, which he presented in a book of the same name in 1984. Basically, it suggests that human possess this tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life, and I completely agree!
When my anxiety is on its typical rampage, I will go for a walk to the local park or pack myself up in my Compass and go to a nearby, national park. And I will take my dog, Fawkes, with me. He loves walks and running around the park. So, I find I get a double dose. I get to spend time in fresh air and nature as well as see my boy enjoy his little doggy life! It helps to distract my mind as well as burn off some of the pent-up energy that tend to come with my anxiety flare ups.
Music.
Whether its on my speaker or through my headphones, I’ll cue up my favourite songs. I’ll sing, dance, discover new songs, or just sit, listen, and dream.
Here is my current fav for when I am working on my blog posts or just trying to fall asleep!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZ4WXAxtGDc
Check it out on Youtube!
I watch a favorite show.
Any show worth its salt is designed to keep you watching! Everything down to the music, the dialogue, the lighting, all meant to keep you interested. I find it really helps me when my mind is running a mile a minute with “What if”, “What I Should have”, or wondering if penguins have knees! (They technically do… They just have a shorter upper leg and it is covered in feathers making it hard to see… Any who!) There are so many shows that are now at the tips of our fingers! (THANK YOU, NETFLIX!!!) What ever a person needs to navigate an anxiety flair up is just a few clicks away.
My favorites are Call the Midwife, Brooklyn Nine Nine, Forensic Files, and Golden Girls (not on Netflix but I own all the seasons on DVD.)
Journaling
When your mind is filled with anxious thoughts, writing it down or typing it out can help reduce anxiety. For me it feels like the weight of the words are off my chest, seeing them in black and white somehow takes away their frantic power.
I hope these methods help!
Cheers!
Candice 😊
