I’ve been thinking a lot recently about different coping strategies for managing anxiety. We all know that it’s a personal journey and what works for one person might not work for another. But sometimes, it can be really helpful to hear about different methods that others have tried and found effective - you never know, it might be something you’ve never considered before!

For me, one of the most effective ways has been practicing mindfulness. I used to think it was all a bit too ‘new age’ for my liking, but then I tried a few online guided meditations and found them to be extremely calming. Carving out 10-15 minutes a day to simply sit and focus on my breath has been transformative. I won’t say it’s a fix-all solution, because it’s not. But it does provide a useful tool for those moments when the anxiety starts to creep in.

Another strategy I’ve found helpful is journaling. I used to balk at the idea of sitting down to write about my feelings - it sounded too much like a chore. But then I gave it a go and found that getting things out on paper can be very cathartic. A bonus for me is that it also helps me sleep better because I’m not going to bed with a whirlwind of thoughts swirling around my head!

However, I’d really love to hear about what some of you find helpful. Do you have any go-to strategies when you’re 🤔

Absolutely agree with you on mindfulness and journaling, they’ve certainly helped me too. Something else that has worked for me is physical activity, particularly yoga. The combination of physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation helps me relax and reduce anxiety. In fact, any form of exercise that you enjoy can help by reducing your body’s stress hormones, and by stimulating the production of endorphins, your body’s natural mood lifters. In addition to these, another important tool in my ‘anxiety arsenal’ is reaching out and connecting with others. Sometimes just talking to a friend or family member about what’s going on can make a big difference.

It’s fantastic to hear someone else advocating for the joys of exercise, not just for physical health, but for emotional wellbeing! I’m a bit of a runner myself and find it’s a great way to burn off stress. Definitely agree with you about reaching out to other people too. It’s so important not to bottle things up. I also like to add some calming teas to my routine, like chamomile or mint. I find a warm drink can help to calm my body, especially if I’m feeling anxious at night. Have you ever tried that?

I’m glad to find fellow anxiety warriors here! I’ve tried a few things myself. Exercise is definitely a game changer - I swear by yoga. Connecting with others has also been super helpful, so I’m glad you mentioned that. As far as the teas go, I find that they certainly create a calming environment. Chamomile tea works wonders for me. Have you tried incorporating mindfulness or meditation into your routine? It can be as simple as taking a few moments to breathe deeply and focus on the present. It helps a ton!

I totally agree with your take on exercise and yoga, they’ve been lifesavers for me too. As well as the chamomile tea, I find lavender tea to be a great sleep aid, you might want to give it a try. And you’re totally right about mindfulness and meditation, they’ve helped me stay focused and present, reducing episodes of anxious thoughts. Another thing which surprisingly helped me was cutting down on caffeine, as it triggers my anxiety. Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of a good sleep schedule. Regular sleep gives your brain time to rest and reset, which can be very beneficial in managing anxiety.