Having an anxious mind and knowing how to live with it is a difficult task on its own. Some days are better, while others can be a lot worse.
Knowing how to cope with those bad days is important and there are certain techniques that will come in handy if your anxiety decides to be the boss of you.
So, what can you do on those hard days? Can you keep yourself busy enough so that you forget you’re an anxious overthinker?
Can you even remain in charge of your own anxiety? The truth is that you can and there are certain things you can do to ease your mind a bit.
I know that having an anxious mind has caused you many sleepless nights but knowing how to cope with it can help you to manage your daily struggles.
1. Breathing exercises
When your anxiety starts to kick in and you’re having one of those bad days, your whole world turns upside down. I know this because I’ve been through it.
The thing is that anxiety doesn’t just have an impact on a psychological and emotional level but it affects your entire body. Suddenly, you feel your insecurities appear and you think that the entire world is against you.
You don’t believe that you can achieve anything and you feel miserable and lonely. But that’s why it’s important for you to not forget how to breathe properly.
I know it may sound silly but there are tons of breathing exercises out there on the Internet that can help you ease your mind a bit. Remember to take deep breaths as they will soothe your heart rate and you’ll immediately feel calmer.
2. Use meditation as a way to escape reality
For some people, taking a few deep breaths won’t ease their anxiety, as the attacks have a more serious impact on their body and mind.
So, if those breathing exercises don’t work for you, then you can try to use meditation to settle your mind.
There may be times when you won’t be able to shut down your negative thoughts completely but don’t immediately give up. It may be a bit overwhelming at first but eventually, you’ll succeed.
When you think that anxiety is trying to be the boss of you in stressful situations, use mediation to escape. It will definitely help you to focus on healing yourself mentally as well as physically.
You’ll start to drift away from reality and from your everyday struggles, which is exactly what you need when your anxiety kicks in.
3. Be physically active
Those who have been unable to reduce their anxiety levels through meditation and breathing exercises could try to be more physically active.
You can always try to tire your body to the extent when your mind won’t have the strength to think negatively. You actually play a trick on your body by taking away its energy and diverting it to places where you want it to be.
You can be more active in many ways, such as hiking, which has proven to be an awesome way to reduce stress levels and anxiety altogether.
If you have difficulties relaxing your mind because of anxiety, then you should definitely try this.
4. Take a much-deserved break
Whether you’re working out, at work, or have some important project that you’ve been working on for months, it’s important that you take a break from all of that from time to time.
Maybe you have some errands that can’t wait or you have an exam next week that’s been stressing you out for a while but the best thing you can do when you feel that anxiety is trying to be the boss of you is to just stop.
Take a step back and have a break.
Remember, your mental health should be your top priority. Nothing else should be more important to you than your state of mind.
However, don’t think that because of your anxiety that you can always procrastinate and reschedule everything, as you can’t do that indefinitely.
But if you think that your anxiety is about to rear its ugly face, stop for a moment and take a break. Let go of everything that you’ve been doing and take some deep breaths.
5. Play some music
There are lots of scientific studies out there that prove that listening to music can help you reduce your anxiety.
It doesn’t matter whether you rather prefer listening to some soothing, calming music or something more inspirational that will give you the strength you desperately need.
Playing music will always help you when you have a bad anxiety day.
Listen to whatever suits you best at that moment. Try to focus on it and let go of your negative emotions and thoughts.
Don’t just use it as background noise but I mean really listen to it. Remember, there’s nothing more important than your mental well-being.
So, if you’re feeling as if your anxiety is about to kick in, stop with what you’re doing at that time, play some music, close your eyes, and enjoy the rhythm.
6. Make yourself happy
Feel like you are in desperate need of a nap but you have other stuff to do? Or do you feel like you’re craving chocolate or maybe you just want to lie down and do nothing?
Well, if you want to reduce your anxiety, then you should definitely start making yourself happier. Do what your body and mind want and don’t feel guilty about it.
If you’re eager to go for a walk, then do it. Buy a pizza and binge-watch Harry Potter if your heart so desires.
You can’t let anxiety take complete control over you. Instead, what you should do is accept it and look for ways to successfully fight against it.
7. Remember to think positively
When they hear that you’re battling against anxiety, most people will tell you that you should be more optimistic and think positively.
But how are you going to achieve that if there are dozens of negative thoughts going through your mind each day?
Well, the best way to be more positive and to have a bright outlook is to stand in front of the mirror and tell yourself how gorgeous and smart you actually are.
Repeat those words out loud, over and over again until you start believing in them.
Remember, you’re your own worst enemy. You won’t win every time your anxiety appears but you will survive.
Things will get better, so pick yourself up and stay strong!
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