“Nothing diminishes anxiety faster than action.”
Walter Anderson
It’s a brand-new day! You wake up, open your eyes and what do you see? Is it dazzling sunshine? Or is it really just the glaring light of uncertainty? Maybe that’s just your anxiety talking?
You see, at any moment in time we can become susceptible to the worries of our mind. We allow ourselves to become frantic and unrest because of our inability to always know what comes next in life.
And in doing so, we find ourselves traveling on this self-destructive “What If?” tangent, becoming lost in the volatile wasteland that is our psyche.
Insighters, amigos, sis, henny, this is anxiety. And it’s more common than you think.
So today, we’ll be discussing simple yet, effective ways to limit your anxiety. But just before we get into it:
(If you’re new to Introverted-Insight, it’s really awesome to have you here. And if you’re a returning reader, welcome back Insighter! I’m always grateful to have you in my Little Space To Be Creative.)
(By all means, enjoy today’s post and feel free to browse the site for more great content, including short-stories and musical commentary.)
Let’s get ready to worry less, do more, and feel better!
Now, anxiety can be defined in so many ways: fear or nervousness associated with what might happen, a mentally distressing concern, or even something as rudimentary as doubt or uneasiness.
Surely, you found yourself identifying with at least one of these definitions. You either recalled a time from your past where your anxiety was at an all-time high or you reflected keenly on your current state of mind.
Either way, I assure you that there are ways to overcome this mental giant. Starting with #1…
#1. Talk About It
At first, you may scoff at this method because you assume it’s common sense. However, it’s actually one the main reasons people never get the opportunity to beat their anxiety. They keep everything bottled-up.
And sometimes, it’s really hard to talk about things that have been causing you pain in the membrane.
This is especially so if you’ve grown-up in a familial climate where “discussing your feelings/emotions” is perceived as being weak/feminine or worse, demonic/crazy.
But I can assure you all, that’s bullshit.
Everyone has a right to have their feelings heard and their concerns about their future acknowledged.
And by conversing with a trusted friend, relative, or health care professional, you start to realize a lot of things (other than it being completely okay).
Like for one, you’re not the only one who is experiencing this constant state of panic.
In many instances, those who we choose to talk to about our anxieties have already been there or may be currently experiencing the same thing.
They’ve been through toxic relationships, harsh break-ups, trouble finding employment, trying to make it through college, struggling to save and pay off bills, not knowing where the next meal is coming from, growing up in a dysfunctional household, thoughts of ending it all, body-consciousness, self-identity crises, battles with addiction, imposter syndromw, and the list goes on.
Yet, it is through our communication that we develop a sense of relief and comfort.
(However, I do advise discussing your anxiety periodically and asking the person you’re venting to beforehand if they themself are in the right mental space to listen.)
(Because it’s not every single day that people (even those that truly care for you) want to hear you bitch about your problems.)
It can really place a bummer on their mood and strain the relationship. So please, be mindful that they too are experiencing anxiety and are trying to cope.
Don’t flood their inboxes excessively with minor worries, especially when many of them can be solved with simple affirmative action.
From personal experience, I have friends who suffer from anxiety just like me. Nowadays, in your early 20’s you feel as if you’re running out of time to get your life together.
You want to finish your education. Launch your career or business. And be able to afford a comfortable, healthy lifestyle for yourself.
But you find yourself triggered with pangs of irritation and sometimes depression, whenever things seem to go awry.
And it’s because millennials like myself, HATE waiting and want things to move at our own roadrunner pace.
And sadly, I’ve come to understand that’s not how life works. It’s a process. A very tiring, stressful, humiliating, fucked-up process. But a process nonetheless.
Nonetheless, if you reach out for help, mindfully share what you’re feeling with the right people, and play your cards right; you can ward off those troublesome thoughts and find solace amidst the process.
#2. Stay Active
Exercise. Paint. Draw. Dance. Write. Explore new hobbies. Move!
Get those endorphins pumping and keep your mind stimulated with something productive, something you enjoy doing.
This is an excellent way to distract you from your haunting thoughts of the unknown.
You see, when you’re engaged in some kind of activity that requires energy or mental attention, you find less time to wallow in your worries.
And overtime, you become so devoted to surrendering your energy to that hobby/activity that your mind becomes fixated on exploring more or getting better within that particular craft.
And pretty soon, your anxiety will become less potent, less suffocating, and less frequent.
Additionally, because of this absence of doubt and worry, your mind becomes clearer, granting you the chance to flesh out some concrete solutions to what’s been troubling you.
Because believe or not, sometimes the solutions are only a brain fart away. But we’re too blinded and constricted by our fear and panic to see it.
In any event, you need to counteract the forces of anxiety by taking action and getting involved.
Besides, nothing’s going to magically fall from the sky and change your situation for the better; it’s up to you to take control and remain active.
#3. Relax
Yes, it seems simple enough but how many of us actually stop ourselves in our tracks before some health-related episode happens?
Don’t wait until you’ve suffered a mild panic attack to relax. Seriously, it’s okay to take a break.
You’re only human and your body has its limitations. Take it from a workaholic like myself.
Now, I’m not saying to give up on your life and your future and become a dish sponge. All I’m saying is that sometimes by doing less, we’re actually doing more.
Watch some Netflix, turn off your cellphone, order or whip-up some of your favorite foods, listen to music, meditate, pray, breathe, SLEEP!
Your future is not going anywhere, it’ll be right there when you get back from your temporary, mental reprieve.
Certainly there’s nothing wrong with putting off your worries. You must ensure that you’re always in the right state of mind before leaping into action.
Remember Insighters, your health and happiness come first. And mental health is just as important as physical well-being.
So take a chillaxitive, recharge, and get yourself together before you re-attempt to take on the world.
Final Thoughts
Insighters, anxiety is like an STD, if you don’t seek serious treatment, it will inevitably come back.
(Okay, probably not my most profound analogy, but you get the point.)
Each day brings its fair share of problems and concerns, and it’s only natural for us to respond. But how we choose to respond is what really matters.
Yes, we’re not always going to be able to fend off anxiety but, that doesn’t mean we can’t limit its forces and live a more wholesome life.
You have to understand that you’re going to get there. And that what’s truly for you will be yours as long as you continue to work towards it.
Stop stressing, talk to someone trustworthy, get yourself involved in something constructive, and take a breather every now and again.
Don’t worry yourself to death before you get the chance to taste your success. Things take time. So be encouraged. You’re going to make it!
As always, take care of yourselves. Put your health and needs first. And continue to be your best, unapologetic self. Love you guys!
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Terran Brice
Sidebar: Anxiety comes as naturally as breathing but, in the same way you have control over the rate at which you breathe, you can control the rate of your anxiety. 🙂
peaches Farquharson
Thank you Soo much for the encouraging and motivational post. I will definitely take everyone of your tips into consideration( talk,stay active & relax) as I pray others will do the same. Very inspiring and respectively appreciated 🤗PHF
Keep up the great work, because you are truly blessed with talent.
Terran Brice
As always, thank you so much for reading and your words of encouragement! And I’m happy the post was able to enlighten you. More great content to come!