“I’m sorry to tell you we have to let you go.” These are words no one ever anticipates hearing. Unfortunately, that’s life. It is not without its imperfections. Hence, I like to say this is my imperfect life. We have events that forever change our lives, shift our focus or otherwise change the course of our lives, and it’s not always a positive occurrence. During such times of change, it’s easy to become stressed out and anxiety-ridden.
I know from experience that the past few years have been a roller coaster of emotions for me. I’ve experienced the low of losing my cat to cancer and the high of traveling to the Bahamas. With this in mind, I have experienced utter joy and elation to overwhelming feelings of anxiety.
So in this post, I wanted to share some solutions that worked for me to help ease my anxiety and calm my nerves. I hope you find one or several of these tips help to ease the anxiety and stress in your everyday life.
1) Get rid of clutter
If there is one thing that can put me on edge it is a home full of clutter and confusion. There is a reason why the saying is, “Cleanliness is next to Godliness.”
Having a space that is free of junk clears pathways to allow energy to flow. Cleaning and purging items on a regular basis helps to create a clutter-free environment. Doing so allows for clearer thinking, mobility, and functionality at home.
2) Deep breathing/yoga/stretching
Another method to ease stress and anxiety is by using deep breathing techniques and yoga. I’m no yoga expert however I have found that using beginner’s yoga in conjunction with breathing exercises helped take the edge off my anxiety nicely. I can move and stretch my body which helps release the tension.
There are many types of yoga; however, as a beginner, trying 15-20 minutes of yoga is a great start. You will feel the difference by the time you are done.
3) Prayer/Meditation
Never underestimate the power of prayer. I’m a woman of faith in God and definitely know that my prayers get answered when I pray and believe with all my soul. You may or may not believe it, however, I do know for sure there are things on this Earth that happen that science cannot explain. And that’s okay.
Our timetable to make things happen isn’t always in sync with God’s plans, so it’s essential to remain hopeful. I do feel that what you pray for and believe can in fact come to fruition.
Learning to take personal time to pray and meditate is helpful in communicating and releasing your thoughts, feelings, concerns, and desires to God and/or the universe.
4) Cup of tea
Believe it or not, sometimes the easiest thing to do is just grab a cup of hot tea. On a cold evening, having chamomile tea helps soothe my nerves and decompress. It’s the perfect nightcap beverage before I have sweet dreams.
5) Write in a journal
Buy a journal and put the pen to the paper. Write your fears, your dreams, your accomplishments, and your worries. Seeing your feelings and thoughts on paper helps you put things in better perspective. When you can view your issues in black and white on paper, it presents a slightly different view.
I know from personal experience when I look at things in retrospect, I think, “Wow. I really thought that was so bad. Now I realize it wasn’t.” Having a new viewpoint can help you to address and resolve issues head-on.
6) Get fresh air
This sounds so cliché but it does help. Going outside and getting some fresh air in your lungs helps take the edge off. Getting extra oxygen in your lungs by taking a few deep breaths and stretching your legs will do your body good.
7) Call a friend
Sometimes all one really needs is a friend. Call up a supportive friend with a good listening ear. Often times what we need is to just vent and release our frustrations. That release helps take the edge off our anxiety.
8) Listen to calming sounds
Listening to calming sounds like jazz music or nature sounds works well for me. I find the sounds of ocean waves, waterfalls, and rain calming. You can find these natures sounds for free online via YouTube or buy nature sound CDs online. Listening with your eyes closed can be so relaxing that you just may forget you are at home in bed.
9) Laugh out loud
Laughter is the best medicine. When life gets stressful sometimes all you need is to laugh out loud. In these instances, I like trying one of two things; an on-demand comedy movie or tickets to a comedy show. Watching a funny movie or show is a great way to not only have some laughs and make you smile, but you also have a short escape from your problems for a couple of hours.
10) Find a release
Pent up anxiety, stress, and negative energy are never good. Did you know too much stress can cause health problems and potentially kill you? Do you know someone with high blood pressure or that has suffered a stroke? That can oftentimes be attributed in part to extreme stress and anxiety.
So it’s essential to find a way for you to release your anxiety and stress in a healthy way. Perhaps consider painting? Or kickboxing? Or hiking? How about bowling?
Making an effort to find a way to positively release that pent-up stress will help in the long run.
11) Cut out the negativity
Last but not least, if you wish to have a life filled with less anxiety and stress you need to take steps to ensure you have an environment to match. If we are, in part, products of our environment, it only makes logical sense that our environment in our home should reflect the same. So with that said, it’s important to sustain a peaceful, welcoming, and positive environment.
Cut out negative, toxic, draining people and situations from your life. At the very, least these people are at a far distance. If the people in your life cannot bring integrity, honor, peace, and love to you and help you be your best self, you may want to re-evaluate who you have in your inner circle. Nothing is worth sacrificing your personal health and well-being.
Share your thoughts.
Let me know. Have you tried any of these ideas? What tips would you add to help ease anxiety and stress?
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