Girl talk

6 Simple ways to ease anxiety

six simple-ways-to-ease-anxiety

Do you ever tell yourself “stop!” wishing that little voice in your head would just listen and bring those racing thoughts to a halt?

Yeah.. that doesn’t work. There are so many things to stress and worry about these days, aren’t there? Work, relationships, family …and if you watch the news on regular basis, you probably find yourself feeling anxious all the time. Sometimes, you might find yourself feeling anxious for no reason.

I’ve been crazy busy at work lately, and you probably noticed that at the beginning of April I wasn’t as active here on the blog as I usually am and that’s because I’ve been feeling extremely anxious. And I have no idea why. Yesterday, as I got home from work I felt my hands sweat, my heart started beating faster and I felt a panic attack coming. I just felt this disabling anxiety, and couldn’t understand why- because as there are many things to stress about, I think there are even more things to be happy and excited for.

After freaking out for a few minutes, I took a few deep breaths, went for a run and prayed that I have some ripe bananas at home.

BE STILL

One of the ways I’ve always dealt with anxiety was distracting myself from my racing thoughts and trying to stay busy. Trying to be still was extremely difficult for me at first, because I was terrified of silence and stillness. I didn’t like being alone with my thoughts and constantly searched for a distraction. I’ll never forget the very first time I tried meditation, which happened to be right after I had an anxiety attack. It was a guided meditation and once it was over, I felt so good, so happy, so calm and relaxed that I started to cry and thought to myself “wow, I want to feel like this all the time.” It was such a strange feeling, but at the same time, it felt so good. Ever since then, when I start feeling anxious, I do my best to become still. Burn your favorite candle, put on some soothing music, close your eyes and take a few minutes to be still. Relax your body, quiet your mind. You can also try one of these 5-Minute Meditations (backpack meditation is my favorite- I practice it at work a lot when sometimes dealing with difficult clients, or whenever I start feeling stressed) although I like to meditate for about 20 minutes.

BREATHE

When I feel an anxiety attack coming, this is the first thing I do: take a few full, deep breaths. Mindful breathing can be the quickest way to make yourself feel calm. Close your eyes, make every breath count and try practicing yogic breathing. I also love using positive reaffirmations while practicing deep breathing at the same time.

AVOID CAFFEINE

Caffeine can exacerbate your anxiety- I learned this the hard way. Some of my worst panic/anxiety attacks happened to me after I consumed a lot of caffeine. Caffeine increases stress hormones, it can cause rapid or irregular heartbeat and if consumed in large quantities, it can also cause sleeping problems and you might find yourself feeling jittery and nervous, which is the same thing that happens when you’re anxious. I love coffee- although I don’t drink it everyday- but I always stay way from it when feeling anxious because I know that it’ll make me feel worse.

GET ACTIVE

This is something I say a lot, I know, but it’s probably because it works. Whether it’s a long walk (that fresh air does wonders!) a quick run or an intense workout session- any type of physical activity can help relieve anxiety as it produces endorphins. Exercising can be a very healthy coping tool.

THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT

I have quite a few apps from Andrew Johnson who is a clinical hypnotherapist, and I love them all. If you suffer from anxiety, I highly recommend you try Don’t Panic with Andrew Johnson. I absolutely love his voice and the apps basically send positive and motivational messages while you’re put you into deep relaxation. I love using them last thing at night. Another cool app that I recently discovered is Let’s Create! Pottery app. In this app, you will create ceramic pottery items, picking your own materials, design and colors. It’s so calming, relaxing… and a little addicting.

DO SOMETHING CREATIVE

Creating something can be a powerful tool for reducing anxiety (which is probably why I love that Pottery app so much). It can be drawing, writing, photography, or even cooking. All of these things can be very therapeutic and can also help you calm your mind. It can be anything, really.  I personally love cooking. My husband knows that if the house smells like banana bread when he gets home, it means that I had a stressful day. I love putting on some music and getting busy in the kitchen, once I’m done, I always feel better and more relaxed. And, I have something delicious to munch on, which in my book is a big bonus.

lifestyle-blog

Whatever it is that you feel anxious about, your job, your family, your relationships, maybe you find yourself feeling anxious for no reason, at times (like I do) it’s important that you find a calming routine that works for you and stick to it. If you tend to feel anxious a lot, meditate daily, make it a habit. Don’t distract yourself too much, recognize your anxiety and find a coping system that works for you.

60 Comments

  • Reply
    Hayle Olson
    April 20, 2016 at 12:42 am

    Lovely post! I find some of these tips super helpful! Meditation is EVERYTHING! :D
    Hayle

    http://www.hayleolson.com

  • Reply
    Tuki
    April 20, 2016 at 12:56 am

    Thank you for the tips, this is so helpful. Sometmes I just need a
    time to breathe and stop thinking but I will try do some of things you listed here.

    Selene Addicted

  • Reply
    McKenzie
    April 20, 2016 at 1:52 am

    My anxiety lately has been driving me up the wall, between school and work it’s just not good! But I really needed this post! I like the point of getting creative, it’s so important to invest ourselves in our hobbies and forget about everything for awhile. xo

    McKenzie | therosynook.com

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      April 21, 2016 at 11:46 am

      It can definitely be a bit much when you’re dealing with so many things at once. It’s always important to take a little time out for yourself once in a while :)

  • Reply
    Aleksandra
    April 20, 2016 at 3:55 am

    Recongnizing you’re anxious is a first step to getting better. Most people react with denial, and that will not get them anywhere.

  • Reply
    Kiss & Make-up
    April 20, 2016 at 5:07 am

    I love that your tips are so easy to follow and implement into everyday life.

  • Reply
    Gabrielle RoseBonniee
    April 20, 2016 at 5:21 am

    Lovely photos ♡

    ♡ Week summary ♡

  • Reply
    Charlotte J
    April 20, 2016 at 6:35 am

    I have found dealing with anxiety is SO much easier after taking up yoga! I’ve been doing it for about four months now, and have gone from doing it once a week to maybe 3-4 times a week, and the benefits are amazing. I absolutely love the feeling after a yoga session. I’m aiming to incorporate it daily from now on, it works wonders! Would recommend to anyone. Thanks for this post, there are some super helpful tips, especially staying creative – I think that is so important to our wellbeing xx

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      April 21, 2016 at 11:51 am

      Oh that sounds amazing! I tried a few yoga DVDs, but I’d love to take a class at some point. Thank you Charlotte and thanks so much for visiting!

  • Reply
    Mantenso
    April 20, 2016 at 6:38 am

    Gym and running have been huge in helping me deal with anxiety!
    I love getting active, It really grounds me.
    Such a great and informative post, that I think lots of people will benefit from. Thank you.

    Tenz
    http://www.shesabouthatlife.com
    xxxx

  • Reply
    Kacey
    April 20, 2016 at 6:47 am

    I just share this post with a friend as I didn’t realise (or even contemplate) that there is an anxiety app! Thanks so much for sharing …really great post and so important to talk about these things so we all know we aren’t alone.

  • Reply
    Biana Perez
    April 20, 2016 at 8:02 am

    Fun to learn there’s an app for that…there’s an app for everything LOL! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston

  • Reply
    Rebecca Fletcher
    April 20, 2016 at 8:44 am

    These are some great tips that I swear by too. I find it hard though staying away from caffine, espeically if Ive not slept much from my anxiety.

    http://www.beautylifebecca.blogspot.com

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      April 21, 2016 at 11:55 am

      I used to drink a case of Redbull in 5 days in my college days, so I know the struggle. Have you tried Kava-kava? I sometimes take it when I can’t sleep because of anxiety.

  • Reply
    Kiran
    April 20, 2016 at 8:44 am

    I love going for a walk when I am stressed out. Being outside in the quiet is so soothing to me, especially now when the weather is glorious x

    ALittleKiran

  • Reply
    Kate
    April 20, 2016 at 9:38 am

    Great tips Paula. I’m a worrier by nature so I have little things to rely on which usually make me feel a lot better. Being creative and getting out into nature are big ones for me. X

    Kate Louise Blogs

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      April 21, 2016 at 11:56 am

      Thank you Kate! Ohh I used to be such a worrier and didn’t believe that could change, but thankfully it did. :)

  • Reply
    Vigi Raj
    April 20, 2016 at 10:49 am

    Awesome tips, I don’t have anxiety but I am sure these tips will help me be happier :)

    https://vigiraj.wordpress.com

  • Reply
    Katherine Annika Cutar
    April 20, 2016 at 11:02 am

    Getting active! I totally agree, thanks for sharing this :)

    x, Kat of Nested Thoughts

  • Reply
    Ambar Syed
    April 20, 2016 at 11:26 am

    These are some lovely tips – I love reading your lifestyle posts Paula :)

    – Ambar x
    http://www.herlittleloves.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Rachel S.
    April 20, 2016 at 12:33 pm

    Thanks for the great post! One of the most powerful ways I’ve discovered to manage anxiety is to remember the phrase “You can’t worry when you’re counting your blessings.” It works! Sometimes, in the midst of a rough day, I will sit down and just write pages and pages and pages of things I’m grateful for. It really helps take the edge off.

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      April 21, 2016 at 11:59 am

      I love that phrase! Practicing gratitude definitely transformed my life. I love writing in my gratitude journal, always makes me feel so good! :) Thanks so much for visiting Rachel!

  • Reply
    Face to Curls
    April 20, 2016 at 2:36 pm

    Such a great post! Thanks for sharing these tips. I can sometimes get very anxious and these are great tips to remember! Thank you! x

    http://facetocurls.com/

  • Reply
    Jessica Jade
    April 20, 2016 at 3:23 pm

    So many helpful tips and wrote in such a good way! Xx

    http://jessicajadebeauty.wordpress.com/

  • Reply
    Dagmara Klich
    April 20, 2016 at 4:31 pm

    I am lucky not to have dealt with some serious anxiety attacks but I do get anxious sometimes and if it’s over something I can’t really control it being busy/creative really helps. Great tips, Paula, I’m sure they’ll help many people! x

    Mummy’s Beauty Corner

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      April 21, 2016 at 12:03 pm

      Ohh lucky you Dagmara! I’m much less anxious these days than I was- it used to be so bad at times I wouldn’t even leave the house. I don’t miss those days haha. Thank you Love!

  • Reply
    Jennifer Bowler
    April 20, 2016 at 5:29 pm

    Ever worry about worrying? Yeah, that’s me. I love what you said about stillness, which is totally counter-intuitive for me, especially when my thoughts are racing. Thanks for the tips.

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      April 21, 2016 at 12:05 pm

      I hear ya! When I start feeling anxiety coming, my first instinct is to get busy and try distracting myself, but being still and silent works much better, although it’s not easy to get used to it at first. Thanks so much for visiting Jennifer!

  • Reply
    EdyeNicolesMakeup
    April 20, 2016 at 7:25 pm

    Great tips! Thanks for the post x

    Blessings,
    Edye // Gracefulcoffee.wordpress.com

  • Reply
    The Sunday Mode
    April 21, 2016 at 5:01 am

    I really like being creative and using creativity as a coping mechanism of sorts, I feel like it’s really helpful because you’re exercising the other parts of your brain that aren’t worrying- if that makes sense!

    http://www.thesundaymode.blogspot.com.au

  • Reply
    Alina
    April 21, 2016 at 6:02 am

    Oh no sorry to hear you had a panic attack lovely but you’re doing so well to manage to get keep yourself active & focused away from it. Fantastic tips and I couldn’t agree more with being still & taking deep breaths x

    Beauty with charm

  • Reply
    steff @ brighterdarling.com
    April 21, 2016 at 11:19 am

    As someone who also suffers from anxiety, I completely agree with you about the caffeine thing. I’ve noticed when my nerves start kicking up, it’s time to switch the morning coffee for some tea. I do that for a few weeks/months and then slowly add in a cup or two a week (or a 1/2 decaf blend). It helps dramatically. And the fresh air. Definitely good to step outside and take some deep breathes. I need to try those apps you recommended – I’ve never heard of them! Thanks for sharing :)

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      April 24, 2016 at 12:35 pm

      Ahh yes! Cutting down on the caffeine intake helps a ton! Fresh air is amazing too! I love it especially during this time of year, it’s so soothing! Thanks so much for visiting Steff! :)

  • Reply
    Guest
    April 23, 2016 at 5:12 pm

    Excellent tips, I especially find meditation and deep breathing to be very effective when dealing with anxiety. I also think reading mindfulness books (like Thich Nhat Hanh’s Being Peace) can help you calm down :) lovely post and photography!

  • Reply
    Lexi Guardado
    April 25, 2016 at 9:11 am

    Those who haven’t experienced all these anxieties won’t fully understand the struggle and those I date have to date my anxiety. So this article resonates close to home.

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      April 26, 2016 at 8:08 am

      I agree Lexi! My husband didn’t really understand it at first how I can feel so anxious for no reason, but he totally gets it now.

  • Reply
    Lisa @ Midwest Glam
    April 25, 2016 at 4:15 pm

    I so know what you mean. I tell msyelf so many times that I have every reason in the world to be happy yet I can’t figure out why I’m so darn anxious. It just happens. And once the thoughts start rolling in they don’t stop. I’d really like to try meditation. I hear it really does help. Usually I just try and keep busy. If I’m focused on something else I’m good. It gets tiring though. Thanks for the tips. It’s always good to know how others cope.

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      April 26, 2016 at 8:09 am

      This. Once your thoughts start racing it’s so hard to stop them! Meditation does wonders for me, definitely try a guided meditation!

  • Reply
    Sadie
    April 25, 2016 at 4:33 pm

    I can so relate to this as you are aware I am struggling a lot with anxiety and already do most of these, one of my favourites is a guided meditation called The Worry Tree, it really helps me to relax and has even sent me to sleep a couple of times. I also need to get back in the habit of exercising to help and I have a few apps but not that Don’t Panic one you mentioned so will have to check that out. Hope you’re feeling a bit better, there’s nothing worse than feeling anxious and not knowing why :) xx

    eat-sleep-breathe-fashion.blogspot.co.uk

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      April 26, 2016 at 8:11 am

      Thanks Sadie, will have to try The Worry Tree! I hope that you’re doing wonderful, I’m much better now, thank you, Love! :)

  • Reply
    The Gossip Darling
    April 25, 2016 at 10:35 pm

    Working out always helps me and mediation. I have an app on my phone and I try to use it every morning for 10 mins while on the subway. It helps!!

    Mel | http://www.thegossipdarling.com

  • Reply
    Angel Bland
    April 6, 2017 at 12:34 pm

    I am reading this really good book about anxiety and it is awesome! “Worry free
    Living-Trading Anxiety for Peace”

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