This week I want to offer you some simple strategies for coping with anxiety.
All of us have dealt with anxious thoughts at one time or another. Anxiety can hit when we least expect it. For some, anxiety is an on-going battle and a day-to-day struggle. It might be so severe that we need to seek professional help. That can be very helpful!
This week, I have put together some simple ideas to share with you for coping with anxious thoughts when they threaten to take over.
Breathe
Take a few moments to concentrate on your breath and how your body is feeling. Where are you feeling the stress in your body? Concentrate on that part. Focus on relaxing and breathing into it.
Pray
Give your anxiety to God. Prayer can consist of talking to God as if you were speaking to someone face to face, or you can recite a more formal prayer. For example, I often pray the Rosary when I am feeling anxious. Personally, I find it calming for a number of reasons. The repetition of the prayers can also help me to focus and stay in the present. One of my favorite short prayers to repeat is, “Jesus, I surrender myself to you. Take care of everything.”
Go outside
Even just a few minutes of air and sunshine can do a body good!
Move your body
Go for a little walk, dance, run, lift weights – do whatever works for you. Exercise releases “feel good” hormones that can help calm the mind.
Drink enough water
You need to stay hydrated and taking in enough water everyday can make a world of a difference. Try adding mint leaves or lemon to your water if you have a hard time drinking plain water.
Change the scenery
If your anxiety hits you one day and you are, for example, doing dishes, leave the room if possible and find something else to do.
Express yourself
Writing, drawing, and music are just a few ways to deal with negative feelings and anxiety. No, they’re not a cure-all. They do serve as an outlet. Finding creative and healthy ways to express emotions can be so beneficial.
Think of your blessings
Gratitude goes a long way. Consider the blessings in your life and thank God for whatever glimmers of grace He has sent along the way. What is a glimmer of grace? Glimmers of grace from God are opportunities, moments or events that God sends or causes that allows the soul to taste peace even if for a moment. They are different for each of us.
I want to encourage you to try one or two of these ideas the next time you feel anxious. Find what works for you! Remember that there is no one size fits all approach to coping with anxiety.
There are so many other ways to deal with anxiety. Whatever anxiety you might be dealing with, do your best to take things one step at a time. Give it all to God on a daily basis by offering your day to Him and asking for His graces.
Is there anything you have found helpful for coping with anxiety? I would love to hear from you! Your ideas just might help someone else who is struggling.
P.S. Pray for one another and for anyone struggling to cope with anxiety!
Do you have a question about victimization and/or healing? Email me at AskASurvivor@ruthinstitute.org. Your name and personal information will never be used in my public responses.
