I am a naturally anxious person. It is hard for me to relax, I tend to worry about or over think almost everything. I accept it is a part of who I am and have found ways to help me cope in times when anxiety gets the best of me. Understanding ways to deal with anxiety (outside of medication), has been difficult and takes a lot of practice and acknowledgement of how I am feeling and why I am feeling that way.
Someone wise told me to focus on facts, instead of beliefs or feelings. For example, I have been feeling anxious about an upcoming social engagement. Worried about how I should behave to appease others and what people will think of me, has made me anxious for days, even having nightmares about what terrible things could happen. I really wanted to let go of negative feelings around an evening that should be fun and enjoyable. Looking at the facts of the event rather than my or others beliefs/feelings of how things will be, has helped separate my worry from what is reality. Fact: I will show up at 6 p.m. Fact: I will enjoy an evening outside. Fact: I will be spending time with family. Fact: I will be eating dinner. These are all things that are true. The beliefs and feelings I am putting in my head of what others may think are just thoughts (not reality) giving me anxiety. It is totally unnecessary and I have to let my ideas go in order to enjoy my time. It is that simple.
I could go on and on about my struggle with anxiety and coping mechanisms and promise to do so eventually. For now, I will end with a few articles about dealing with anxiety.
- 5 Steps for Tackling Anxiety (cupcakes & cashmere)
- How To Deal With Anxiety Step One (HEADSPACE DAILY)
- Do You Worry Too Much? (A Cup of Jo)
- 5 Tips for Dealing With Anxiety (Inc.)
- James Altucher: Four simple steps to stop worrying today (THE CRUX)
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