10 Simple Habits To Help Deal With Stress & Anxiety

Healthy Habits & Self-Care Techniques

to relieve stress & anxiety!

In my continued efforts to bring you all the most relevant, timely, and helpful content at these unprecedented times, I am collaborating with people from across various fields of expertise so they can share their experiences, advice, and tips with you all.

On that note, this guest blog post on how to reduce stress and anxiety is part of a Stress and Anxiety Management Series. You can read part 1 of the series here.

And in this part (i.e. part 2) of the series, presenting to you, Hannah and her tips on how to ground yourself and beat the stress cycle when anxiety hits. Read more about Hannah and what she does at the bottom. I am telling you, her talent is incredible!

Anxiety can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time. This thought in itself is anxiety-producing, but knowing what you can do about it when it hits you can save you from some serious pain.

We’re here to help!

First of all, take a deep breath.

Know that you are NOT alone at this time even if you may feel it.

The only cool thing about a global pandemic?

Everyone is going through the exact same thing!

Sending you all the love and all the hugs.

Please know that you are loved and you are important.

Times are tough right now, and the spread of Coronavirus has people stuck inside. I thought it would be helpful to lay out 10 tips for reducing anxiety.

Save this post or write down your own tips for those times when the world seems to be suffocating you and you need to breathe!

10 Simple Healthy Habits and Self-Care Techniques to relieve stress and anxiety!

1. Be Present, Count Your Breath!

Anxiety can be hard to realize at first, but eventually, you’ll train your mind to realize when you’re feeling anxious.

Allow yourself to feel those feelings, and then start to count your breath.

Count each breath one by one until you feel your breathing elongate and become deeper and longer. Make your breath deeper and deeper, which will ultimately trick your mind into calming down and slowly letting go of that anxious feeling.

2. Distract Yourself

Turn on the TV, read a book, or snuggle your dog. Do something to distract your mind!

**Tip** can’t think of anything in the moment? Keep a list in your phone of small activities that will keep you distracted when you’re feeling anxious.

3. Get Physical

Activities are not only distracting but give you a push of endorphins which can relax your anxious mind.

It’s not easy, but getting up and going for a walk or cleaning your house will make you feel more relaxed.

4. Get Creative

Do something creative!

Whether it be drawing a picture (hello adult coloring books), playing an instrument, or pulling out your camera and doing some photography, getting creative can distract your anxious mind and give you something else to focus on.

Have you seen those bleached jeans tutorials?

Get outside, enjoy the sun on your face, and have fun with bleach (but be safe, and wear gloves!).

5. Fact-Check Your Thoughts

Step back and think about what is actually making you feel anxious.

Are these nervous thoughts realistic?

Oftentimes, they are not, but when you are stuck in this place, it can be difficult to remember that everything is going to be okay. Get into a pattern of re-thinking your fears to allow for more rational thinking.

6. Follow the 3-3-3 Rule

First, look around and name 3 things you see. Then name 3 things you hear. Finally, move 3 body parts (fingers, toes, head & neck, etc).

This mental trick can bring you back to reality and center you.

7. Call Someone

Reach out to a family member or friend!

Calling someone can really help to calm your worries, especially when saying them aloud to someone else. Find someone you trust and can be open with. Trust me, they will want to be helpful!

8. Drink a FULL Glass of Water

Fill up a glass with water and drink it slowly.

Don’t do anything else until you finish this glass of water. This will train your mind into slowing down and will allow you to concentrate only on that glass of water in the moment.

9. Use a Calming Visualization

Pick a calming visual (for example, a picture of a beach and a swaying palm tree), and paint the picture in your mind.

Think of every detail of that scene, and put yourself right into that peaceful paradise.

10. Utilize Aromatherapy

Light a candle or use essential oils to lower stress and anxiety.

Certain scents have been proven to calm your anxious mind. Try these scents:

Lavender
Rose
Vetiver
Bergamot
Roman chamomile
Neroli
Frankincense
Sandalwood
Ylang ylang
Orange or orange blossom
Geranium

ABOUT THE AUTHOR, HANNAH

Hannah is the founder of Harper Grey Lifestyle, a blog and online community that celebrates strong women, mental health, and the beauty of all bodies!

You can find Hannah surrounded by dogs (okay, just her two dogs) writing all about living an, at times, less than glamorous life.

Hannah prides herself on sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly, and being a voice for those who feel like they sometimes don’t have one. On top of this, Hannah also shares tons of social media tips and loves to help her community with all things Instagram. Hannah recently wrote an e-book on Social Media tips and tricks, so be sure to check that out!

When Hannah isn’t blogging, you can find her caring for plants, enjoying a card game with her fiance, John, or snuggling her pups, Bella and Rylee. Hannah also works as a Social Media Manager for a fashion company, which is basically her dream job!

“Life is ten percent what you experience and ninety percent how you respond to it.”

xoxo,

Kusum

10 Simple Habits To Help Deal With Stress & Anxiety

Healthy Habits & Self-Care Techniques

to relieve stress & anxiety!

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