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Anxiety is a b*tch, but when you finally start to feel like you’ve conquered your anxiety triggers and have a solid grasp on how to cope with it, you can live in a state of bliss. Hey, we’ll take momentary happiness any day and if that means preparing for the worst-case scenario, consider it done.
Remaining calm can be challenging when life throws a curveball your way, but creating go-to techniques to use when you feel anxious can be beneficial. That’s why PLH’s editor-in-chief, Britney, shares seven techniques she uses to manage her anxiety and reduce stress. Discover more ways to reduce stress here. So please grab a cup of tea and prepare to regain control in your life, and ground yourself with us. We’re ready to kick our impeding fight or flight modes to the curb by trying some of the tools and techniques Britney mentions below.
1.Breathwork- Taking slow deep breaths instantly calms me down and brings me back to the present. Meditation teacher, Nina Endrst says “using our breath as our guide draws us back to the body and current moment.” If your focus is on your body you’re less likely to focus on the anxiety provoking circumstances and be present in the moment. Try taking three deep breaths while placing your hands over your heart and belly. Feel lovely right?
2. Aromatherapy- I love keeping essential oils with me in my purse. If I feel overwhelmed, I apply the oils behind my ears or on my temples, and the calming scents instantly relax my mind and body. Saje’s Peppermint Halo cooling and soothing oil is one of my favorite essential oil roller balls. It’s loaded with eucalyptus and lavender which are both calming natural fragrances.
3. Meditation- I often visualize a safe place that brings me joy when I feel anxious. I focus on this space and visualize myself walking around calmly. This makes any racing thoughts come to a standstill as I focus on my happy place instead.
4. Call a Friend- Talking through your anxiety with someone you feel safe and comfortable with can be so helpful. Usually, I turn to my friends for support when I feel extremely anxious about something. Getting a different perspective on what’s making me feel anxious is very therapeutic.
5. Dance- Moving your body is one of the best things you can do to limit anxious feelings. I love dancing, but you can also try exercising or walking. Exercise releases endorphins which are known as the “feel-good” chemicals that can help you deal with stress.
6. Shift Your Thinking– Redirect your attention to positive thoughts or something that brings you joy. I typically turn to my five minute gratitude journal to quickly note what I am grateful for that day. Journaling helps me focus on some of the positive aspects in my life which in turn shifts my mind from a negative headspace.
7. Stress Relief Gummies- When none of the above techniques are doing the job, I’ll turn to a natural remedy instead. I recently stumbled upon these stress relief gummies at Target. These gummies help me quickly manage stress in the moment and are made with natural ingredients like L-theanine and Chamomile. Bonus: they taste good and and are a natural alternative to CBD products.
Please keep in mind that even though these techniques work for Britney they may not necessarily work for you. The key is to try different techniques until you find one that makes you feel more grounded.
What do you think?