5 Ways to Get Back on Track When You’re Feeling Anxious:
Hey friends. The past few weeks have been stressful to say the least. While I love traveling and going on vacation, the work that always needs to be finished beforehand is never fun. The week leading up to a trip always seems to be a whirl of days and rushing from project to project without much of a breather. At least that’s how it’s been for me lately. Luckily, I’m just about to leave and have somehow finished just about everything.
Here are a few tips to feel less anxious that worked for me:
Prioritize Relaxing Activities:
After a long day or week, it’s easy to let Netflix take over your evenings, however, by making space for at least one relaxing and rewarding activity, you will feel so much better. For example, for me that looks like making time for yoga, hula hooping, a shower, a short walk, or novel reading. Even if it’s just a few minutes, start with a truly relaxing activity and then let Neflix be a reward afterwards.
Make a Worry List:
I implemented this in my own life a few months ago and I’m amazed by the difference that it’s made. So, you might be asking, what is a worry list? Great question. A worry list can be a note on your phone or a piece of paper in a notebook where you write down everything that is worrying you or making you feel anxious. When I started this list my list consisted of things like, ‘book flights for summer’ and ‘find dress for my brothers wedding.’ It doesn’t matter if it’s a big decision or a minute action that will take 5 minutes or less. If it’s worrying you, add it to the list.
Start Taking Action on Above Worry List:
Once you have your list, go through it and see what you can take action on this week and set reminders for items that you can return to later on. Oftentimes, just having your list written down rather than simply in your mind makes a huge difference.
Not Now, But Later:
We often become anxious when we give equal priority to every item on our to do list. However, most action items should not be treated equally. When we treat each item as something that requires immediate action, we set ourselves up to be disappointed and frustrated. Therefore, get really clear on what must be done immediately and what can wait a day, week, or month.
Steer Clear of Social Media:
Not forever, just until you feel less anxious. When we’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, it’s easy to turn to mindless apps like Instagram. However, as tempting as it may be, stay away. If you’re feeling skeptical, think of it this way…how do you typically feel when you get done scrolling? If you feel inspired and motivated then by all means, ignore what I’m saying. Unfortunately, for many women, social media scrolling can leave us feeling less than perfect and caught in the comparison trap. If that’s you, stay away from social for a few days and see how you feel.
