How To Cope With Stress And Anxiety
And more steps to be healthier and happier.
The internet defined stress as a feeling of emotional or physical tension and when I looked up what anxiety was all about because I didn’t want to tag it as, ‘the fear of the unknown’, I got anxiety is an intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations.
All of this makes sense but when you’re going through a bad day or over thinking what might have been, you won’t remember the internet, you probably won’t care about any definition that comes up.
Nothing would sum up the way you feel.
So let’s focus on you at the moment because this happens to everyone everyday depending on the situation or at least once or twice a week if you’re lucky but let’s talk about how to deal with these issues when it’s thrown you under.
One: take a breather.
For the love of everything that matters, I know you’re panicking and I don’t know whatever happened but the best gift you can give yourself right now is close your eyes, breathe in and out or simply close your eyes. if it is convenient, you could take a break from everything that’s stressing you out.
Two: deplete tasks into bits.
I know you have to do this and that. But compiling things would make matters worse so instead of cleaning up your house and end up feeling like shit why don’t you clean your room and go easy on yourself by doing those tasks later? I know it sounds like you’re procrastinating but trust me you’re only doing what’s best for you.
Three: Soak in the tub, light some candles,or take a shower.
If you have the chance to do either of the two, please do, grab a book if possible and if you can’t, it’s alright. Just relax, take a deep breath and by the time you’re out, you will definitely be fine.
Four: Allow your thoughts to roam free in your head.
The thing about stress and anxiety is they work together so when something pops up in your head and you decide you don’t want to think about it, you’re only going to make matters worse, allow it, talk about it if it’s disturbing and do this only to get out of that phase.
Five: be positive.
I know this is hard and you think the universe is out to get you. It’s nothing but a bad day so be positive, negativity would get you stranded. Tell yourself you’ve got this because you do.
Six: Drop the caffeine. Ditch the alcohol.
I know you won’t forget everything that’s got you in panic mode. I’ve been in a position where I’ve wanted to forget my day, pretending it all didn’t exist but alcohol would get you nowhere and if anything, caffeine is only going to add to the long list of your problems and that’s why you have to believe in yourself that you alone can get you out of this, don’t be dependent on those things and if you need something, get an ice cream.
Seven: Write down how you feel.
The power of writing can’t be compared to anything else and trust me, you’ve heard people talk about journaling but when shit goes down with you, the last thing you would want is a pen so if you don’t do this now then do it later for reflection and if it works for you that moment, what’s stopping you?
Eight: Don’t hold in your emotions.
Never Ever Hold It In. Allow those tears to spill out. I understand you’re strong and all but keeping it locked in won’t help you so get it all out. Cry. Scream. Whatever gets those negative emotions out, do it. But don’t try to pull yourself together, it will only make you feel weak.
Nine: Listen to some music.
I don’t know what genre you do but plug in, connect with the power of good music and escape away from this world. Music will get you through anything: breakups, stress, anxiety, depression, so go ahead, create your own playlist that matches your mood and there you have it.
Ten: Practice Mindful Meditation.
I have never told anyone this but one of those days, I was stressed to a point of exhaustion and all I did was meditate. I could feel the stress rolling off my shoulders, my breath which means this works good. Like I said in my last post, it is one hundred percent effective.
Eleven: Eat in an healthy way.
I don’t know if that makes sense but I am talking about going all balanced with your diet which means the greens, foods rich in magnesium, lots of fruits and stay away from sugar or rather foods with added sugar.
There you have ways to cope with the stress and anxiety we go through in life because you need to always be at your best which means happy and healthier!
In case anyone needs help and perhaps a talk with the professionals, I’ll be adding helplines below: befrienders.org.
To talk about anything upsetting you, contact the Samaritans. (you can contact then 24 hours a day, free from any phone) : 116 123.
Or try their email: jo@samaritans.org.
You can also call their Welsh language line on: 0808 164 0123.
If you’re experiencing mental health problems or supporting someone else, call SANEline on 0300 304 7000.
National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK on 0800 689 5652 (open 24/7)
Campaign Against Living Miserably: you can call CALM on 0800 585 858. (5pm- midnight everyday)
If you’re under 25, call The Mix on 0808 808 4994 (3pm–midnight every day), request support by email using this form on The Mix website or use their crisis text messenger service.
If you’re under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, or concerned about a young person who might be struggling, you can call Papyrus HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141 (weekdays 10am-10pm, weekends 2pm-10pm and bank holidays 2pm–10pm), email pat@papyrus-uk.org or text 07786 209 697.
If you’re a student, you can look on the Nightline website to see if your university or college offers a night-time listening service. Nightline phone operators are all students too.
Or check out this site for more info: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/helplines-listening-services/
Fighting!
