There’s no shortage of negativity, stressful news, and downright depressing stuff we’re being bombarded with day in and day out lately. It seems like there’s something new everyday, and it’s hard to navigate.
I wanted to write this blog because I know I have been feeling incredibly anxious lately, but I’ve also noticed some ways that are helping me get through it a little easier.
What do you do to cope during times of stress and extreme anxiety? I’d love to hear your tips in the comments, or feel free to message me on Instagram!
With all of this being said, please remember to allow yourself some time to just relax and do nothing! All of this newfound “free-time” doesn’t have to be spent being active, crushing things you’ve been putting off, and doing things you don’t really want to do.
Sure, it’s great to get some things done and stay on a semi-normal schedule, but don’t forget to just sit back and chill – take some time to not think about anything.
Talk to Someone
Sometimes just a 10 minute conversation with someone you care about (and who cares about you!) can totally change our mood and make us feel like we’re in a better head space.
Write a Gratitude List
What’s a gratitude list? Well, simply put – it is a list of things you are grateful for. It can be a short list that takes only a minute to create with things like your dog, your boyfriend, and your favorite color.
Your gratitude list can also be something more in-depth like reasons why you love yourself, a list of songs you’re grateful for, or really anything you love that you can think of!
Why does a gratitude list help us cope? Well, it helps get our minds focused on what really matters – the simple things that make every day worth living.
Have a Movie/YouTube/Netflix Marathon
Enjoy your favorite movie, YouTube channel, or show! Give yourself a break and remember to allow time to just veg-out and relax.
Sometimes the easiest way to forget about everything that’s going on in the world is to immerse ourselves in another one.
Follow Uplifting Accounts on Social Media
How do you feel when you check Instagram and Facebook lately? Overwhelmed or at ease? If you’re feeling in a worse mood after checking social media, consider unfollowing those people and following some more uplifting, positive accounts.
Check out my favorite list of Instagram accounts here.
We see sooo much of social media, so be sure you’re filling your mind with positive vibes and not negativity all day long.
Stop Watching the News
Okay, yes it is important to stay informed – but if you’ve got the news running in the background all day, you’re constantly seeing negativity and depressing stuff all day long.
I’ve found that checking the news once every few days or once per week is enough for me. I didn’t check it at all yesterday and I felt 1000% better than I did the day before when I have it playing all day long as I was working from home.
Just try it – I promise you’ll feel better.
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Remember To Do Things You Love
Maybe you’ve found yourself with a little more downtime than usual lately – make sure you spend some of that time doing things you love that maybe you haven’t had a lot of time for lately.
Whether it’s drawing, writing, reading, painting, creating graphics, playing a musical instrument – remember to do the things that make you feel good!
For me, I absolutely love plants and I have a few that need to be re-potted. I plan on spending a few hours doing this one day this week. I know it will make me feel so good just doing something simple that brings me peace.
Clean or Organize Something
I always feel better after I’ve cleaned my bathroom or organized a messy cabinet.
Start with a small task that will take you 10-15 minutes, then see how you feel after that!
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Exercise and Eat Healthy Foods
This comes as a no-brainer – of course exercise and eating nutritious foods are a great idea – but it can be so easy to forget to take care of ourselves during the busy seasons of life especially. We can be so focused on what’s going on around us that we forget we have to take care of ourselves first.
So, make sure you have your favorite healthy snacks on hand and enjoy some “me-time” at the gym or an awesome at-home workout (or go for a walk/run outside)!
Get Outside
Playing off of the previous idea, make sure you are not staying indoors every single day, all day long.
It’s so important to get some sunshine (remember your SPF!) and breathe in some outside air.
Enjoy a book on your porch, listen to a podcast outside, or go for a drive with the windows down. Getting out of the house can really help lift your mood.
I really hope you were able to get some good, easy ideas here for how to cope during whatever season of life you may be in.
Don’t forget to listen to your favorite song, snuggle with your pets, and tell your loved ones that you appreciate them.
Follow me on Instagram and tell me what your favorite things to do to combat anxiety and stress are!
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