You know when you’re putting yourself to sleep and you have to make sure that your covers have every limb, piece of hair and sometimes even eyes underneath? Because we all know that if not then you won’t fall asleep feeling safe from some creepy creature coming for you?
Anxiety is similar to that but on a larger scale. Defined on google as a feeling of worry, nervousness or unease; anxiety can include panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Right now, when I go to sleep at night, no matter how tucked into my bed I may be, I still feel like I have one leg out just waiting to be grabbed. It feels as if all of the walls around me don't exist, the windows are wide open and the front door has been ripped off of the hinges from the wind.
During the day, it comes and goes in waves. One moment it’s calm waters and you can see the sunshine glistening on the waters ahead. But, one uncomfortable moment and all of the sudden you're trying to navigate through a tsunami with no boating license and only dark clouds above you.
Anxiety is a scary thing, especially for those who experience it regularly. It controls your mind and emotions and sometimes even actions. The National Institute of Mental Health tell us that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the possibility of experiencing anxiety and/or developing an anxiety disorder.
“Disorder”. Please take that word lightly for it carries more weight than we should allow it to. Dis.or.der- disrupt the healthy functioning of. Anxiety is almost inevitable. It can come out of nowhere due to the triggering of a previous traumatic event or physical health conditions. Whichever it is though, it does not label us as someone with a disorder (although science has to) so don’t let it define you as that. All it means is that we have to work a little bit harder at achieving a healthy functioning mind, and that’s okay.
I believe that there is a natural way to easing anxiety and it’s the only way I have ever eased mine. Soaking in it, learning it and getting to the root of it is how I have beat it time and time again. Studies done by the NIMH have found multiple treatments for easing the anxious mind. One of the many being stress management. This includes meditation and aerobic exercise.
Recently, my anxiety has been reaching levels that I haven’t experienced since I first moved away to college. Every night is a challenge and every morning is a reset. the hours in between just determine the intensity.
We are all experiencing a new found anxiety due to this constant notion of being in the dark about what’s ahead. My advice to you is to find/create a safe space. Having a safe space is important. It can be a person, a place, an item, etc.. just something that will center you and make you feel at home. A mental escape free of all possible unhealthy stress.
Well, what if you don’t know what that is? What if you’ve been so caught up in the routine of your life that you haven’t ever had the time to figure out what centers you and fills you up with positivity?
That is okay. In fact, that’s great because it gives you more to experiment with and that alone will distract you from your anxious thoughts.
what you can do:
make a list of all things that make you smile, interest you, wish you had time for, etc.
next to each thing, write down a hobby or activity that coincides
highlight the ones that actually spark your interest enough to take action towards ooooor shoot your shot with all of them (we’ve got the time lol)
take your time with each one. imagine little goals or accomplishments that can come from them
As you find things on your list that you enjoy more than others, you’ll spend more time and put more effort into them. And before you know it you‘ll be the next Picasso, Gordon Ramsey or Rihanna. Haha just kidding. I mean or not????
Anyways. Basically what i'm saying is to make this time about you. Create a world that only you live in and welcome others into it when you feel it’s right. You have all of the free time in the world right now. Even if you’re still working. Expectations of us as humans are pretty low currently (besides trying to save each other from pandemic). Our minds have more time to think and less to be distracted with.
The monsters of anxiety are having a free for all in our heads. Don’t leave them a loose leg from under the covers to grab. Kick them out.
You’re stronger than anxiety.