Coping with Anxiety

Anxiety--This is something I have lived with since I can remember. I have talked to counsellors and my doctor of course, joined groups and researched peer reviewed articles and studies and talked with other anxious people and have learned numerous ways to cope.

First, I think that most people would be surprised to learn that I live with anxiety. Stop that. I think we all do to a certain extent. Some people have more than others, some less. Anxiety feels worse some days and most days its in remission or under check. Some people thrive with a certain amount of anxiety. Others crumble at their first anxious thought.

There are the old school coping mechanisms people tell you to do when anxiety hits. Things like breathing slowly and methodically or counting specific objects around you. This might work for you but personally, I find it all creates more anxiety for me. I feel pressured to ‘get it together’ fast and move on. I need to get out of my head. I need action. I need to burn that anxiety off.

The following is a partial list of things I do on a semi-irregular basis/when I’m able to think of them. Take what works for you and leave what doesn’t. I will add to this list occasionally.

1. Walk. Walk. Walk. I said I need action. Sitting and counting red things in the room will not work for me. I need to walk. I like to walk early in the morning. There’s less traffic and for me, it is the most peaceful time of day. I leave the house at daybreak and walk about half as far as I think I’m able. Sometimes my calculations are a little off but I’m getting to know the area so that doesn’t happen as often. When I’m really anxious I like to run but then I remember I’m not much of a runner and I stop. I love power walking, getting my hips into it and lengthening my stride as far as I can. I walk with a buddy and my dog because I live in bear country but when I'm able to walk alone I love to blast music through my headphones. It helps me get my pace and keep it for a long period. Try walking if you’re able.

2. Gratefulness. I started keeping a gratefulness list on the wall in my office when I was counselling in Vanderhoof. I kept a big piece of paper taped to my office wall and before clients left I invited them to write what they were grateful for on it. Some were grateful for having clean socks to wear that day. Others carefully wrote the name of the person they were feeling closest to that day. Keeping a gratefulness list in a place where you can see it in times of anxiety or depression is a quick reminder of the good things going on in your life.

3. It is important to look after yourself. We are basically house plants, especially with the Covid restrictions. We need a proper sleep, healthy food and plenty of water and enough sunshine and fresh air. If your body only needs 5 hours sleep, get those 5 hours. Stop with all the chips and cookies and pop and eat a carrot. If you live alone cook a meal or eat out if you must but eat! Look after yourself so when Covid is over we can all come together again.