I have anxiety, you too?

Anxiety is a THING most of us are aware of and probably on a personal level. This episode will be one of many where anxiety is front and center. It's more normal to have it (and admit it) nowadays than ever, so let's normalize it for you too, dear listener.

This episode was not an easy one for me to share. I get personal and vulnerable. My goal is to connect to you with my story and my struggles. And to show you that it's okay, I see you, and you're not alone.

It's hard to regulate your emotions, and it's even harder when you don't know how. Listen for how I went from an anxious mess, waiting for my dad to come out of open-heart surgery, to managing my stress and anxiety with tools and consistent practices. You can do it, too! Please send me a note if this one strikes you, and please share this with someone who may need to hear that it's okay to struggle with anxiety.

WARNING: F*bombs drop at 10:28 and 11:38

As promise in this episode, here is a full list of my tools and best practices to manage my own anxiety. To create your own menu of tools and best practices, please reach out. I can help with that.

1. To calm the nervous system - anxiety meds (if needed), THC gummies (dosed), Ashwagandha or Holy Basil for other natural alternatives.

2. Good SLEEP habits.

3. Regular exercise.

4. Accept it. "I have anxiety, it's normal, and I can manage it."

5. Noticing the anxiety, calling it out, being curious, and taking action (action = distraction).

6. Talk to someone who feels safe (get support) i.e. therapist, coach, family, husband, close friend.

7. Less alcohol, MORE water.

8.  Manage expectations of situations and of other people. Accept that things will happen or change and I can only control myself. Live in flow, not in survival mode (always working on this one).

9. Reframe an anxious or negative thought to a positive thought, or change the story I am telling myself. I pause to reflect and get real with myself.

10. Breathing - in for 5, out for 8, either with eyes closed or by looking up or out to reset my brain (learned that piece of science from my therapist, and it's great to disrupt ruminating or overthinking).

11. Meditation - I usually listen to a short one on YouTube, Balance app or Insight Timer app.

12. Read before bed INSTEAD of scrolling. And DO NOT look at the phone first thing in the morning.

13. Be present with my kids. Focus on their needs (emotional needs especially), listen with my whole body to the things they share, and say YES when they want to play and have fun with me, and especially when they want to snuggle.

14. HUGS - I need lots of hugs (and smiles).

15. Eat healthy. And for me, I cut out gluten after years of sensitivity to it. I finally had enough, and I feel better overall and more clear-minded.

16. Have fun - dance, laugh, be silly/play, be a little spontaneous!

17. Use boundaries - say "NO" if my mind and body resists, I listen to it! I speak up, if need be.

18. I got off of birth control, and it seems to have regulated my hormones back to their natural rhythm...helped with monthly mood swings.

19. Remind myself that worrying is like sitting in a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but nowhere to go. Or my new fav from my sister, Lindsay, "don't borrow trouble." Love that. <3

20. Love myself by taking care of my needs whether I need a massage, a moment of silence, or a good cry.

DO you use any of these, too? I'd love to hear from you! Visit me on the web at www.ABLlifecoaching.com or on Instagram @abllifcoaching.

Please rate, review, & subscribe. If you're curious about coaching, feel free to book a complimentary discovery session with me.

Thanks for listening! Your needs matter, because you matter. -A

 

#mentalhealthawareness #anxiety