Coping Techniques: Where to put your anxiety

I was thinking today that it sounds nice to think of coping with your anxiety as “putting it somewhere“. Not getting rid of it, because anyone who suffers from anxiety knows that’s not always possible, but putting it into something. Putting it down. Putting it behind a curtain for a while. Just kindly leading it elsewhere. So this post provides some things that work for me.

Here are some coping techniques and ideas for where to put your anxiety:

Exercise: Anxiety is mental and physical, so moving your body will help to release the grip it has on you. Put your anxiety into your body and burn it away. Go for a jog, do some boxing (envision punching it if you need to!), a walk, a swim, or do a 10 min YouTube workout. Cleaning: This is something I am trying to do more because it works twofold. Firstly, you are moving your body like with exercise instead of sitting with anxious feelings. Secondly, you are ensuring your space is clear which is healthy and helps you to feel clearer of mind, too. Another thing is to declutter your space to remove the things that you no longer need and doesn’t bring you any joy.Written word: This can be journalling, blogging, creative writing, memoir writing, etc. Put your anxiety into words and sometimes you feel the relief of it being out of your head. It can help to organise your thoughts, see things differently/from another perspective, and just be an act of decluttering your mind.Spoken word: This could be putting your anxiety into words just saying it out loud. No one needs to hear you; you could say it out loud while alone. Or you could speak to a trusted friend. Tell them whether you want advice or help or just a kind listening ear.Breath: Breathwork is a great place to put your anxiety. There are many different breathing techniques that you can use to calm down and turn your anxiety into something you are better in control of.Yoga: This incorporates the above for me. Exercise, breath, “cleaning”, and spoken word. You can use affirmations to strengthen your practice (words). Incorporate meditations and breathwork/pranayama. And of course, you’re moving your body. Putting your anxiety into yoga means you are re-balancing the energies within. You are “cleaning” out the clutter within and helping things run more smoothly. Cooking: I find cooking very therapeutic. It’s like a mindfulness practice. It doubles as something good for your body, if you can cook something delicious for you that nourishes your mind and body. Anxiety is linked to gut health, so be careful with what you are consuming. Caffeine is a big no, alongside foods heavy in sugars and spice.Dancing: Again, moving your body but it is also a way to let loose. Move your body freely. Bop along to your favourite songs to feel good. Your anxiety doesn’t need to sit on top of you. You can dance with it until it leaves the dancefloor.Needs & Pampering: Looking after yourself is crucial for coping with anxiety. Once you neglect your needs, you are inviting anxiety to stay. Put your anxiety to sleep with a nap. Put your anxiety down the drain by showering and doing your hair. Let your anxiety seep out of your skin with a face mask. Soothe your anxiety out of your muscles with a massage or acupuncture (if you can afford it).

Sincerely,

S.xx