Draw a circle on a pad of paper then place your writing tool in the middle of the circle.
For whatever weird reason when I’m not too far gone that actually helps a lot.
1.A weighted blanket has done wonders for me.
Natalie Allen
It feels like a giant hug.
Add some calm acoustic music and about 30 minutes later I am 10x calmer.
2.Going in a bathroom and putting my hands under running water.
Its easier for me to calm down when my universe is very small.
Even just sitting under a blanket can help.
Usually by the end of this your mind has drifted away from whatever anxiety I was having.
Remembering to take a deep breath and long exhale helps too.
5.Draw a circle on a pad of paper then place your writing tool in the middle of the circle.
For whatever weird reason when Im not too far gone that actually helps a lot.
6.My friend got me out of a panic attack pretty quickly by just having me focus on my hands.
Placing them on the table, raising above my head.
Its as if my body is too tired to fight the anxiety.
Just know that it can and will get easier.
9.I usually put on something that would make me laugh.
A comedy show or something.
I also put on a snuggly sweater or a bathrobe, so I feel comfortable and warm.
Playing games with my friends has been good for that.
10.Focusing on tightening and relaxing every muscle in my body one at a time.
I know it sounds weird but its instant relief for me.
You just gotta let it out.
12.I just think to myself: But will I die?
The answer is always no.
I may be anxious about something, but I know I can get through it.
13.Heres a trick you might try.
and let that thought constantly explain itself until it runs out of air.
Youll never move out of your parents home.
You wont be able to date anyone properly if you live with parents.
You will die lonely and never experience true love.
If you wont be loved, youll be miserable for the rest of your life.
That would be painful.
Stepping outside into cool/fresh air also seems to help as well.
Anxiety is a bitch, but you certainly arent alone.
16.I carry a small rock in my pocket that i fidget with when I get anxious.
18.Walking and splashing water on my face help.
Slowly drinking water helps (this one can be good for crying kids too!
Its hard to cry when youre drinking and more water isnt a bad thing.)
Cooler air helps me too, for some reason.
19.I do two main things.
Is part of life.
Repeat until I feel better.
21.Writing out what Im feeling.
I have a google doc thats basically an anxiety diary.
Its something just for me so I can be as honest as I need to be.
22.Rainymood.com
IMO the best site on the internet.
Brown noise like rain helps to block out sound and focus me on something.
What past experience or knowledge is causing my anxiety to flare up?
No trying to change the response, just trying to understand it.
This often helps to ground me a bit.
I find cuddling up with one of my three cats can be really calming.
Also, reading a book, although that may not be for everyone.
25.Physical puzzle games (like the Eno or a rubiks cube)!
They give my brain something to focus on and solve instead of getting stuck in an anxiety spiral.
Mostly just stuff you do with your hands that redirects your brain, I guess.
The racing thoughts just stop and is replaced with various tasks for myself, ex.
For this lap, just focus on your arms and shoulders, focus on getting a long stretch.
For this next lap, focus on just the push from your legs.
28.Focusing on my breathing and then if that doesnt work, physically stepping away/leaving the situation.
29.Focusing on my surroundings.
See what colors are near you, shapes, textures.
Notice the feeling of the air on your skin, the wind or your breath.
make a run at really notice the things around you.
30.UCLA free guided meditation audio links.
31.This doesnt work if its unexpected but my anxiety increases hugely the week before my period.
When I get really anxious I check my calendar and somehow knowing its me telling myself these things helps.
32.Not trying to fight it.
33.Cold air or taking a bath.
Reminding myself that Im in control of how I feel.
34.Music, and video games.
Lots, and lots of video games.
35.I have a conversation with myself.
37.Sitting in the shower.
Sometimes it all gets too much and I just need to be in a safe place.
Better than that though is being with my boyfriend.
39.Laying down and watching youtube really helps me personally.
40.Silence and holding perfectly still.
41.Say out loud what is causing me anxiety.
Driving through rush hour traffic is awful and is giving me anxiety!
Also trying to distract myself by doing basic stuff like counting things around me.
Theres lots of little things that can help, but hearing that works the best.
46.Cleaning and organizing things/rooms.
47.Small, manageable goals.
If Im having a panic attack, I just have to accept that its happening and focus on breathing.
It will always pass.
If its looping thoughts or rising anxiety, I make a run at focus on factual positives.
Things are rarely ever as bad as my brain would have be believe.
48.My big, 72-pound, rescue dog.
It sounds cliche, I know, but trust me it works.
Its helped me a lot.
