Build a Boat
Do you ever feel like anxiety is pulling you down so much you feel like you are drowning? It feels as if every move you make the deeper you sink. Anxiety is a demon that is hard to fight.
Whether it be something small causing you anxiety or something life changing, anxiety is not a fun thing to deal with. Although anxiety can cause you to feel as if you are sinking and leaving you feel hopeless, there is a way to build a boat to help ride the waves of anxiety without drowning.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes. Anxiety can cause someone to be in distress and influence how they think, act, and what they say. Anxiety can seem debilitating and paralyzing.
Symptoms of anxiety
Feeling nervous, restless, or tense
Having a sense of impending danger, panic, or doom
Having an increased heart rate
Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
Sweating
Trembling
Feeling weak or tired
Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry.
Having trouble sleeping
Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems
Having difficulty controlling worry
Having the urge to avoid things that trigger anxiety.
These symptoms experienced with anxiety can interfere with a person’s daily activities and cause someone not to LIVE fully. It is important to know that we may never get rid of our anxiety, but we can learn tools to help manage and minimize it. Instead of our anxiety drowning us, it is time to build a boat and learn how to ride the waves.
Ways to help manage anxiety
Take some time just for yourself!
Take a walk outside, practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, read a book, draw, or cook.
Eat well-balanced meals.
Try to eat balanced meals as well as three meals a day. Do not skip any
meals. Keep energy boosting snacks around to have in case of an anxious stomach.
Limit alcohol and caffeine.
These can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks.
Get enough sleep.
When stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest, research shows that humans function their best when they have 8 hours of sleep.
Exercise daily.
To help you feel good and maintain your health.
Take deep breaths.
Inhale and exhale slowly and try new breathing techniques.
It is important to see which tools and techniques work for you and apply those to your daily life.
Remember to give yourself grace when you are experiencing anxiety and do not beat yourself up for feeling that way. If you would like help to build a boat and keep riding the waves even when they get rocky reach out to us today. We are happy to assist you.
Want help building a boat?
Reach out to us and find a therapist.