Inhale + Exhale
I was in the seventh grade when I was diagnosed with severe anxiety. I had noticed for a few weeks that I couldn’t breathe normally. My breaths were short and shallow and I couldn’t fully expand for that deep, full lung breath. After my doctor tested me for asthma and something else I can’t remember he sat me down and asked me a few questions. “Are you scared of anything?” “How do you express your feelings of fear, worry and confusion?” “Do any classes in school make you tense?”
I made my not so truthful 13 year old responses and was shocked when he said “well, you have a severe case of anxiety and if you can’t start to find ways to cope then we can put you in contact with a therapist.” I left that day feeling dumb, scared, insecure and even more anxious.
It took a lot of time, prayer, family encouragement and most of all self searching to get to where I am today. Do I still have days, moments and seconds where I can’t breathe and nearly burst into tears while grocery shopping? Yes. But I’ve found so many ways to rewire my brain to process my anxiety so that I can function healthily, happily and peacefully.
OKAY, that backstory being said, let’s dive in to my top 5 tips that have helped with my anxiety.
Essential oils:
Ya, ya I know everyone and their mother sells oils. I was the skeptic who would NOT buy into the “oil scam”….until I decided to give them a try and I haven’t looked back. YoungLiving’s Valor blend goes on my wrists + neck + inhale for 20 seconds before ANYTHING stressful or when I’m ready to relax for bed. Never go without it. *side note - patchouli + pine + orange is my perfume / home blend and it makes me feel so dreamy.
Plants:
I never owned plants until 4 years ago. I bought 1 Pothos and 1 Snake plant and loved them. When Josh and I got married is when my crazy plant lady self IMPLODED. I have several rare species and over 80 house plants. Utilizing my green thumb has brought me so much joy + peace! I feel connected to the earth and can hear Jesus whisper into my soul. Cultivating things to grow is a major passion. PLUS, they emit oxygen which is good for us so win win.
Journaling
I’ve kept a journal since I was 11. I write down anything and everything. Writing helps me to process exactly what is going on in my brain to cause me stress, worry, fear etc. Once I’m able to pinpoint what is triggering + fueling my anxiety I can practice all of my self care techniques.
Time with Jesus
Reading scripture daily is a MUST. Top priority. When I can hear the voice of Jesus He can speak to my anxious spirit and quiet it. Try finding a verse and writing it down where you can see it the most. I keep them taped on my car dash, on my calendar and in my journal.
Doing something just for me
This one is where you can just be a little kid inside and have fun. My go to is a hot shower + jammies + dessert in bed. Color, read, watch a rom-com, workout, take a hot shower, make a smoothie + cook, go get a coffee or create something! Take a second and splurge, you deserve it!
*side tip: drink LOTS of water! Guys, you’ll be shocked by how much this one helps.
And there you have it! Just a few small steps to help you tackle those no breath moments and center yourself. You’ve got this. YOU are in control, not your anxiety. Cheering you on, always,
xo,
Kaleigh