HOW TO DE-STRESS: 10 WAYS TO MANAGE YOUR ANXIETY

If I had one wish, it would be to think less. (That may sound stupid, but hear me out.)

I am, by nature, a worrier.

I distinctly remember feeling sick to my stomach about how I would someday navigate the Bermuda Triangle, out-swim piranhas, and quantify how many cans of tomato soup would fit in my tub when I inevitably was sprayed by an army of skunks. (Read: none of these things ever came to fruition. I'm only 24, though, so time will tell.)

Perhaps you've been a lifelong worrier like me. Or maybe, you just recently joined the club.

Today, I'm sharing 10 ways that I've learned to manage my anxiety over the years. Sit back, (try to) relax, and keep reading for some tips!

10 Ways I Manage My Anxiety

Anxiety is an all-consuming feeling- it can turn a beautiful moment into a flurry of overthinking and self-sabotage. Here are my favorite tips for living life without letting these feelings take over.

Daily Movement

You know those people who swear by exercise and healthy habits? Unfortunately, they're right. It makes a HUGE difference.

Find a form of movement that you love and lead by discipline, not motivation. You may not always feel like it, but regular exercise has been proven to improve depression and anxiety-related symptoms. Even if it's as simple as a daily walk, make sure you're getting movement in.

Do Not Disturb

Stop allowing back-to-back notifications from people you hardly know to take up so much mental space. Ever since I put my phone on do not disturb, my life has become so. Much. Better.

Typically, I batch reply to all of my texts near the end of my day. I still get notifications from my husband in case there's an emergency- everyone else can wait! (Not only does this help me feel better, but I work better, too.)

Touch Some Grass

Get outside! Fresh air is a huge mood-booster. If you work from home, it's crucial to leave your house at least once a day (even if you're just popping out to grab a coffee). Getting out is a nice change of pace to bring some energy back into your routine.

Wim Hof Breathing

Y'all, these breathing videos are LIFE-CHANGING. Paced breathing has been linked to well-being and relaxation, and these exercises work. I like to do breath work before bed (which is my brain's favorite time to second-guess all of my social interactions from when I was 11).

Stop the Scroll

Have you ever gotten to the end of the day and thought, "I'm so glad I spent so much time doom scrolling today"? (I didn't think so.)

Stop scrolling on your phone endlessly- it's so bad for your brain! Not only are you getting nothing done, but your screen time is contributing to your anxiety. Read a book, create art, walk your dog, whatever floats your boat- as long as it's not on your phone.

Eliminate Toxicity

Sometimes anxiety stems from nothing specific, but sometimes, there are ways that you can control the circumstance. If there's a toxic relationship in you're life that's killing you inside, cut it off at the source. Life is way too short to keep mentally draining people in your circle!

Control Your Caffeine

This one's a biggie. If you can, hold off on the caffeine until after you've consumed a solid breakfast. Eating before caffeine will help keep your blood sugar at bay (aka, no more feeling shaky and straight-up unwell.)

In addition to putting your breakfast first, try and keep your caffeine consumption at a minimal. I'm not saying to ditch caffeine altogether (I love a good lavender latte), but try not to live off of energy drinks. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, and too much of it can heighten your anxiety.

Go With Your Flow

Cycle-syncing is a fantastic way to get in tune with your body and work with your hormones rather than against them. Coordinating your workouts, diet, and daily habits with where you're at in your cycle energy-wise is life-changing.

Brain Dump

Getting your thoughts out of your head is key to not feeling like you're going crazy. Whether that's through therapy, journaling, or confiding in a close friend, find a method to brain dump instead of holding it all in.

Look at the stars

This may sound silly, but looking at the stars can really put things into perspective. Sometimes, life can feel like everything is about to burst at the seams- it's important to remember is that the sun will rise tomorrow. If you're worried about something that won't matter in 5 years (or 5 months), it's not worth your mental energy. Take a deep breath and release it into the universe.

Hopefully these tips will help you feel a little more zen. They've made a major difference in my own life!

If you are in a state of crisis or having an emergency, call 911. If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to speak with a trained professional at a crisis center at any time (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline).