Many of us struggle with anxiety, stress, or depression, and these can impact our day-to-day happiness and our overall well-being.
We live in a deeply stressful and overwhelming world, and it’s easy for stress and anxiety to creep into our lives without us paying much attention to its impacts.
According to NAMI, you’re most vulnerable to stress when you’re:
- Not getting enough sleep
- Not having a network of support
- Experiencing a major life change such as moving, the death of a loved one, starting a new job, having a child, or getting married
- Experiencing poor physical health
- Not eating well
Anxiety is not something that is easy to fix, but there are some tips and tricks to help make it feel more manageable.
Keep reading to learn more.
Practice deep breathing. Did you know practicing breath control can help pause your stress response? Turn on the stopwatch on your phone and take 1-2 minutes and practice deep breathing: Breathe in for 4 seconds, out for 8. Repeat this for 1-2 minutes as needed. You can even start and end your day with this breathing exercise.
Journal. Journaling is a proven way to help manage anxiety. Are you feeling racing thoughts get out of control? Take a few minutes to journal your thoughts and feelings. Make it a daily practice and set up a journaling habit to see the long-term benefits.
Exercise. Staying active is amazing for your brain and your body! Studies have found that exercise can help alleviate stress and anxiety, and getting into a regular habit can support your mental health. Exercise can help you redirect nervous energy, and has been shown to have lasting positive impacts on overall wellbeing. Even a 20-minute walk can do wonders!
Ground Yourself. Practice the "5-4-3-2-1 Rule". If you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed, intentionally take a few minutes to identify five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. Grounding yourself can help focus your brain, and can help your body "reset" during times of panic. Make sure you pair this with the deep breathing exercise we mentioned earlier.
Try CBD. CBD can help your brain better manage feelings of stress or anxiety, and taking a daily dose of CBD can help you feel more like your best self. Some of our favorite products include CBD tinctures and gummies.
Finally, if you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, please don’t wait to reach out for help.
Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 as soon as possible. They have trained counselors available to speak with you 24/7 and assist in a crisis situation.
Get in touch with your mental health professionals, let them know what's going on, and get their advice.