Wow May huh! We’re 5 months into the year and officially worried about the motion of time relative to our current situation. That being said, May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This year, more so than the others, we’ve collectively given out mental healths one of the greatest tests of all time.
I want to talk about Anxiety – something so many suffer from, and yet there isn’t an easy cure for.
Here are some ways that help me alleviate my anxious feelings (DO keep in mind that these are not cures. What may work for some may not work for others):
Taking a shower with music! Often times I feel like I think most clearly when I’m showering, and that the water flowing down my body washes the tension away.
Getting fresh flowers or experiencing a little bit of nature.
Drink warm water. I found this to sooth my body, especially my gut. That in turn soothes my mind.
Practicing Yoga. Incorporating poses my body is feeling that day and A LOT of deep breathing.
Cleaning. Funny story: my coworkers used to make fun of me, saying they’d know when I’m anxious (I’d start cleaning and organizing). There’s something about the process and the end product that is soothing to me. And it lets my mind know “look, we accomplished this“.
Lighting a candle. Diffusers do wonders too. I also like to use my air purifier to let the white noise calm my mind
Brushing my hair. Something it does to my head, like a soothing effect.
Podcast or lo-fi (upbeat) music. Since I have a terrible attention span for books, podcasts are more effective.
Drinking coffee. Most would disagree with me on this one (caffeine adds to anxiety)! But it’s more the notion of sitting with that amazing smelling drink in hand and the happy effect that follow, that do the trick.
So, to draw a conclusion– take care of you! In a nutshell: attend to what your mind is saying. The journey isn’t easy and short, and there isn’t always a final destination– but remember that we are stronger and more resilient than we think we are.
And as always, if anything feels out of control, know that seeking help or sharing with someone is a healthy way to cope. And there shouldn’t be any shame to it.
