Last year I went through one of the most difficult times that I’ve ever experienced in my life. Before then, I never really dealt with anxiety. Anything that I worried about felt like it was actually happening. Once I was over a situation, I found myself constantly worrying and fearing that it interfered with my everyday life. Thankfully, I’m blessed with a loving and supportive husband that helped me get through this difficult time.
Although it was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever faced, I felt like God was trying to do something big in my life.
I DIDN’T KNOW IT WOULD BE LIKE THIS
Although what turned out to be the biggest obstacle in my life turned out to be a blessing in disguise! After overcoming my anxiety, I became the best version of myself, and God began to make small changes in my life that led to bigger results. The greatest of all is going through the motions. Without this moment, I wouldn’t be able to use my journey to help others dealing with anxiety.
If you made it to this post, either you know someone that has anxiety, or you’re experiencing it yourself. I never thought I’d be sharing my experience with anxiety. However, I’ve built the courage to share pieces of my journey, hoping that it’ll help others who are struggling with anxiety.
Today I’ll be sharing with you 5 things to remember if you’re dealing with anxiety.
1. HAVE FAITH
It’s easier said than done when you feel like no one knows what you’re going through on a day-to-day basis. Well, I’m here to tell you that God is so much closer than you could ever imagine! He knows exactly what you’re going through, and He’s working it all out for your good. I now know how to manage anxiety rather than letting it control me.
Improving your faith will allow you to do the same while knowing that God will help you get through any difficult moment if you’re willing to seek him.
2. DON’T ALLOW YOUR TRIGGERS TO PRESSURE YOU
What are your stressors?
Identifying the triggers that cause you to react will help you determine if your anxiety is appropriate or created by your own insecurities and fears. Knowing what triggers your anxiety will help you learn how to react and doesn’t allow those stressors to pressure you. Instead of worrying or overthinking the situation, try journaling, meditating, deep breathing, or exercising. I love taking a walk in nature to clear my mind and be in the present.
3. FILTER YOUR THOUGHTS
Worrying isn’t productive, nor is it healthy. It doesn’t take away from tomorrow’s problems, and it takes away from today’s joy. Start taking captive to every thought that you have. Anything that is negative and brings you down, discard it! By doing so, you’ll be able to focus on the positive things. Resulting in you feeling happier and being less anxious. Start replacing those unwanted thoughts with meditation and positive thinking.
Keep in mind, just because a feeling or thought exist, doesn’t make it true!
4. PROCESS YOUR FEELINGS
Separate yourself from your feelings by journaling or talking with someone. Journaling is a great way to let go of those unwanted and negative feelings healthily. By writing down your feelings, helps you to better express yourself and relieves that negative energy. However, talking to one person that you can trust is very beneficial as well. At the end of the day, everyone needs someone.
5. PRACTICE GRATITUDE
Being thankful for all that you have is a great way to shift your mindset and help you be more positive when facing difficult times. At times, try to reflect on the things in your life that are near and dear to your heart. Practicing gratitude every day will boost your mood, help you grow, and is essential to having the life you really want. It’s not about what you do, and it’s about how you do it! If you need help finding a great guided journal, here’s my roundup on the best guided journals for personal growth.
WHAT LIFESTYLE CHANGES SHOULD YOU MAKE?
- Change your diet. Eat foods that are nourishing to your body and make you feel full of energy.
- Exercise. Whether it’s walking, hitting the gym, or going for a jog, keep your body moving! When you exercise, your brain releases endorphins, which makes you feel happier.
- Stay hydrated. Be sure to drink water daily. If you need water drinking tips, check out my post on drinking more water every day.
- Cut back on caffeine. Consider reducing the amount of caffeine you intake daily. One thing that has helped me is limiting myself to 1-2 coffee’s a week and drinking caffeine-free herbal tea every day. Nowadays, I don’t feel anxious, and I feel much healthier! Lately, I’ve been loving Tazo’s Calm Chamomile and Teavana’s Peach Tranquility Tea.
- Take care of yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally.
- Limit Social Media. It’s okay to follow social media at times, but too much of it can also cause stress. You should be aware of what’s going on in the world, but not afraid.
Yolanda Barnes says
This is awesome!!! Thank you!!❤️❤️❤️
Kenda Martin says
I’m glad you enjoyed this post! 🙂
Michelle says
Great article!!!