My go-to list of anxiety tools
If you have chronic anxiety, or perhaps it is a season of life that has you stressed out- it is hard to fully show up in our highest, best selves. We have a shadow self that kinda stands in for us. Or we may even pull in our turtle heads and hide till the anxiety is ‘easier’ to deal with. However anxiety shows up in your life- there are many different ways to thrive, yes thrive, with anxiety.
Side note: if you feel anxiety isn’t a problem in your life- yay! Congratulations on being a small percentage of the population that is chemically or emotionally wired in a unique way and I celebrate you. Seriously I do. And I might also dislike you. A little bit.
For the rest of us, I put together my go-to list that has worked for me, and others, in reducing the negative symptoms of anxiety.
Keep in mind- take what works for you, and leave the rest in grace. Remember- anxiety looks different in many of us- and the tools that work are different too.
Please note: in cases where anxiety is preventing you from functioning in key areas of your life- seek professional help. There is NO shame in partnering with a professional to feel better.
Sleep sister, sleep.
If you’re struggling to get to sleep (or stay asleep) because of your anxiety or your anxiety is being made worse because you’re not sleeping well, any products or habits that help you relax at night could greatly improve the symptoms of your anxiety. Note; for us ladies, sometimes hormones are the culprit so be sure to check with a hormone dr if you feel this could be an issue.
Some habits to consider: reduce caffeine intake (little to none), watch what you eat 4 hours before bedtime, limit screen usage at least 2 hours before bedtime. Consider adding an herbal tea to your nighttime routine. Another option is to add magnesium to your supplement routine.
You can also add in a nice bath soak with some lavender infused epsom salt. It might be best to do this right before bedtime and for at least 20 minutes. This is one of my favorite things to do- I make the water as hot as I can take it.
Have you heard of insight timer- a free meditation app? Any time my anxiety is on overdrive, preventing me from falling asleep, my go to is to tune into a sleep mediation and allow the magic to happen. Try it. I usually find one that is 4.5 stars or above and at least 30-45 minutes. I also use it anytime in the day that I need it and also kick off my day with it.
Check out my favorite sleep headphones/eye mask which takes the experience to the next (most comfortable) level.
Lastly, a weighted blanket has shown to have some amazing results in reducing anxious symptoms while in bed. The weight varies by the size of the person and is distributed evenly.
As stated by Medical News Today; “This special type of blanket is designed to be warm and to provide gentle pressure to a person, mimicking the feeling of being held. The sensation may have a positive effect on people’s moods. As a result, weighted blankets are gaining in popularity as an alternative means of combating anxiety and other sensory disorders”.
Other Calming Tools
If you have attended one of my retreats, you know I love adult coloring books. There are many different options of adult coloring books. Of course you can just grab a sheet of paper and start drawing/coloring too (or journal it out). Coloring definitely has therapeutic benefits of reducing anxiety symptoms, creating focus or bringing more mindfulness in our lives. Just like meditation, coloring also allows us to switch off our brains from other thoughts and focus only on the moment, helping to alleviate negative symptoms of anxiety.
Stress relief essential oils are for many, an absolute go to for symptom relief through the sensory process. I love essential oils- though be sure to research which you use and how. My favorite are the roll on kind for stress/anxiety relief.
My Number One Tool
If you know me well, you know my number 1 tool is my CBD oil. It is something I use daily. I hosted a podcast show all about CBD oil as well. It is something that my daughter and I swear by (our magic juice). I take it first thing, each morning, on an empty stomach.
Why use CBD?
In many studies, CBD has shown to limit inflammation in the brain and nervous system, which will benefit people experiencing pain, insomnia, and certain immune-system responses.
Also authors of a review from Neurotherapeutics found that CBD may help to reduce anxiety in people with certain related disorders.
According to the review, CBD may reduce anxiety-related behaviors in people with conditions such as:
- post-traumatic stress disorder
- general anxiety disorder
- panic disorder
- social anxiety disorder
- obsessive-compulsive disorder
Many other benefits can be found for diseases and health issues such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Acne, fighting cancer and so much more!
I also have my very own anti-anxiety kit I would be remiss not to mention and, of course, my very own book, Surrender, has a whole chapter on stress and anxiety.
My anti-anxiety kit has:
- a complete anti-anxiety, anti-stress toolkit:
- 3 meditations designed specifically to release anxiety symptoms from our bodies and minds
- mandala coloring sheets designed specifically for anxiety and stress
- grounding tools designed specifically for anxiety and stress
- gratitude journal and trigger questions to print designed specifically for anxiety and stress
- breathing activities specific for anxiety and stress
- and more!
What tools have you found that works for you? I would love to hear about it as well as share with others!
Wishing you wellness and joy in your journey!
xo
Shannon
*I am an affiliate for amazon and some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. Please know that you never pay more for affiliate products and I never recommend a product I don’t have/use myself.
