Helpful coping mechanisms to deal with anxiety
Worrying for the health and safety of ourselves and our loved ones, paired with countless difficult situations and stresses, our mental health can take a toll. In January 2021, a source stated 41% adults of the US population suffered from symptoms of anxiety and / or depressive disorder.
We're sharing a few coping mechanisms that may prove useful to you below.
Say grace upon rising
Say a little prayer for everything you are thankful for; it can be something as basic as a roof over your head, food on the table and a working phone to call your family
Create and maintain a small ritual consciously
A simple, happy ritual that you look forward to during the day or evening, that you stay committed to taking time out for, regardless of how busy the day is.
It could be anything small or big
for example:
- a daily cup of coffee by the window in the same mug at 4.30 pm
- a hot shower with your favourite soap each morning
- reading a few pages of a fiction book before bed
- indulging on a piece of dark chocolate daily after lunch
- lighting a scented candle whilst you work
Limit social media and news time
Avoid graphic videos that can be triggering – some videos to start with warnings about disturbing content – those are definitely the ones to avoid
Verify forward messages and unreliable article and news sources
Music therapy
Music is known for its therapeutic wonders for the body + soul
"Music affects the amount of stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, that the body releases, and reducing these hormones can help relieve symptoms of anxiety."
Create your own playlist - jazz, string instrumental, soothing piano sonnets... whatever takes your fancy.
you can check out our Spotify Channel playlists for inspiration here
Hobbies
Do anything that is unrelated to your duties of the day and spend time with your self
Choose anything that makes you feel secure and in control
For example: read a book, watch a show, take an online class, doodle, paint a canvas, knit a sweater
Stay in touch
Voice and video call your loved ones regularly, but set up some ground rules first:
avoid speaking to those that turn every conversation into trigger points
make a deal with your friends to limit trigger topics in conversations
Understand that you are allowed to choose how to maintain your mental health
Aromatherapy
Scents of jasmine, lavender, rose, geranium, nutmeg, eucalyptus are known to alleviate symptoms of anxiety
Use these essential oils through scent diffusers, skin care, perfume or smelling salts and candles
Kitchen Therapy
What you eat and drink can play a major role in your overall mental health. Heavy carbs and junk food induces feeling of lethargy and sluggish, whereas a healthier and healing diet can encourage positive thinking, make you feel more active to carry forward with your plans of the day.
Here are a few tips:
- drink warm brews
- include ingredients: chamomile, lavender, nutmeg, cinnamon
- include ingredients high in Omega 3 (pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds)
- avoid sugar + excess carbs
- avoid caffeine and alcohol
Journaling
End your day by writing one thing you are grateful for, however small or big
This helps you take stock of what’s important to you and end your day on a positive note to help you shut eyes sooner
Be kind to yourself
Talk to yourself and understand why you're feeling anxious
Accept it, and know that it will pass – nothing is permanent in life
Reach out to those that can comfort you, those that understand your situation and know your trigger points
Nature Therapy healing methods: (add product link where applicabe in bold
- Light one of the candles: CONFIDENCE, ARDOUR or UPLIFT whilst you work, read or take a bath (add product link)
- Apply one of the After Bath Oils in the morning and before bed to gain it’s therapeutic benefits to uplift the mind (Rose or Lemongrass) and relax and calm the senses (Jasmine)
- Start the morning with a cup of tea or coffee with a pinch of Chai Masala
- Turn up the volume to your favourite playlist whilst you cook
- Drink a cup of the Calming Brew before bed
You can also reach out to the following online therapists and counsellors:
https://www.therapizeindia.com/
https://thethoughtco.in/
https://icallhelpline.org/