By Tori Drake
There is often a sigh of relief as we move out of the winter months into the spring and summer. However, experiencing anxiety can put a damper on the lengthening days and family fun. To help you with this transition, take a look at five ways you can help manage anxiety in your everyday life.
Expand your support circle.
Isolating yourself when you don’t feel mentally well can be tempting. But when you get in touch with others, you will lessen any obsessing and prevent getting stuck in a thought spiral. Visit a friend or family member, or be intentionally kind to someone you run into during your day.
Get outside.
Both exercise and spending time in nature are known to be helpful for managing anxiety and staying in the present. Explore your neighborhood or a local park and prioritize getting some fresh air at some point each day.
Write down your worries and keep them in a specific place.
Journaling, even just bullet points, can keep your thoughts from running into the walls of your head and can give them space to settle down. Write down your anxieties and imagine a briefcase, a safe, a manilla folder, or whatever place you want to use to hold your “what ifs” and other concerns for you to focus on when you choose.
HALT.
Used primarily in addictions work, this acronym for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired is a tool that can help you figure out what could be contributing to worry and will give you something else to focus on. Practicing basic self-care allows you to nourish your body and think before you act.
Find a daily routine.
Having a set schedule can help calm both your body and your mind. Make your bed, meditate, practice grounding while making your lunch, and create any sort of routine that keeps you in the now – that brings you back to your physical surroundings. These activities can start off your day on the right side or can be used as an activity that you know calms you.
Some anxiety is to be expected as part of being human, but if you are experiencing more extreme symptoms and having trouble with your daily tasks, ask for help from a friend, family member, therapist, or other helping professional.
It can be difficult to be vulnerable, but seeking help allows others to give back to you and support you when you need it.
Turn to our experts and start thriving today.
