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| Photo by Alex |
Winter is looming over Melbourne and I can feel the lack of sunshine creeping into my brain. I’ve had anxiety all my life but I’ve only known that’s what it is for a couple of years. Some days it still feels like this unstoppable, uncontrollable thing.
I’m trying. I want to learn and practice and get better at managing it.
This week I asked Twitter for practical suggestions that might help. Twitter was very helpful. I wanted to write this all down in some kind of order, so I can refer back to it when I need to. I thought I’d put them here; in case they can help you too.
NB: I haven’t credited people because some people have locked accounts or DMed me
and sometimes I mashed two people’s ideas together but you can view the original thread here.
and sometimes I mashed two people’s ideas together but you can view the original thread here.
Health
- Find a good GP with knowledge of mental health.
- Get a councillor you like.
- Exercise regularly.
- Dance – letting lose can help relax and unlock all the muscles you’re tensing.
- Yoga.
- Really sweating, intense exercise.
- Meditate.
- Eat less sugar.
- Saunas, massages.
- Walks are good.
- Baths are good.
- Dogs are good.
Journaling
- Write a daily journal.
- Keep nice lists – achievements, things you’re proud of, kind words from others.
- Make note of the things that make you happy, bring you peace or that you’re grateful for.
- Physically write down what you’d say to a friend if they told you they were thinking this stuff.
Friends
- Message nice pals – do it regularly, make sending little thoughts to people you love an integral part of your day.
- Find a buddy you can bounce things off when you’re not doing great.
- “Reality test” your thoughts – if you’re worried a friend is mad at you, check in with them.
Mindfulness
- Do mindful exercises regularly – practice them so they’re easier to remember when you’re not doing great.
- Focus on your breath – use blocks of time (like commuting) to do simple breathing exercises.
- Do something calming/mindful before bed like meditation or colouring in.
On the bad days
- Practise your responses to difficult situations.
- Try and be aware of how your body responds. Remember anxiety has physical symptoms too.
- If you’re nervous, hold a macho pose – it’s dumb but apparently it actually helps.
- Chew gum – it regulates your breathing without you having to think about it.
- Remind yourself you “don’t have to be perfect”.
- Remind yourself what you do want to be (thoughtful, kind, accepting).
Twitter bots
Apps
Reading
If you have other suggestions, I’d love to hear them.
