Anxiety is Real. No Shame, BUT Don't Set Up Camp There.

Aug 8, 2021
2 min read

Updated: Aug 30, 2021

"Slow breathing is like an anchor in the midst of an emotional storm: the anchor won't make the storm goes away, but it will hold you steady until it passes."

I have randomly had an increase in anxiety lately.

Yesterday it was through the roof and what felt like, no particular reason.

When I realized the state, I was in, fidgety, shaking, heart racing, chest pain; I had to get my feet on the floor immediately (that’s important!!!), get some water and mint gum, head outside with my blanket and soothing music to begin implementing calming techniques.

The onset of anxiety can happen for varied reasons that have built up or suddenly. For me there are plenty of things that may trigger anxiety from medications, chronic illness, finances, relationship, pain, more medications, to genetics, lack of sleep or nutrition, diagnosis, and so on.

Grounding, splashing cold water on your face, hydrating, mint gum, lemon balm or rescue remedy, calming music, comforting blanket, find a focal point, box breathing, five senses grounding, alphabet game, body/finger tapping, distress tolerance box, positive affirmations/truth statements, prayer, and so many more things can be effective ways to reduce anxiety and stress.

If you are experiencing anxiety know this- You are not alone. Everyone experiences anxiety in some form or fashion during life. (To clarify, it is okay to feel and sometimes we need to sit with our feelings, but sometimes we need to take a break, put our feet down, take our thoughts captive, even seek medical help.) Having anxiety is not shameful, nor does it lessen a person’s value.

There are many stats and facts, reasoning, schools of thought, and so forth on anxiety. I have learned so much over the last 15 years, so much I feel I could write a book on this subject alone. (There are plenty of great books dealing with anxiety out there too.)

Maybe one day I can take time to go through some things in more depth.

But for now, I encourage you to look through, maybe take a screenshot of the strategies below.

Give a couple of these techniques a try. It makes a huge difference if you practice techniques when you are brain is calm, in order to develop skills that can be fluid and second nature when your brain/body are “on fire.”