Lessons I've learned from Anxiety

 In 2009, I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety and spent a good portion of my (19-year-old) adult life taking pills to help me manage it. As time went on, I started to find ways to help myself without needing the use of medication. I found a yoga channel on YouTube, and I would do yoga pretty religiously. I'd do 30-day challenges, and I would watch countless breathing techniques for anxiety. I also turned to Pilates and dance fitness for more high-intensity workouts. As I got into my thirties, I started a routine of evening walks and sometimes mid-morning/afternoon walks. If anxiety started while in the car and we were close to the street we lived on, I would mention that I was going to walk home; I think I need to do move my body. To this day, at 37 yrs of age, I still take evening walks; I still search for breathing techniques and meditation, if need be, Qigong, which is similar to yoga but in a different way; I've researched face massages on YouTube, you name it. 

Throughout my life, I have always been determined not to let anxiety control me or let it interfere with my daily life, no matter what I am feeling. 

So the lessons that I've learned is that YOU have all the power in the world to control your anxiety rather than letting the anxiety take over and control YOU, even when it feels like nothing is working. 

Breathing, whether you are trying it yourself or following a video ( I recommend), is one of the MOST important elements in lowering your heart rate because lowering your heart rate is the first thing that needs to come before anything else. 

Moving your body should come second because anxiety uses energy; to release that energy, which is usually very uncomfortable, you need to move your body, whether it's yoga, bouncing a ball, taking a walk, Pilates, whatever feels comfortable for you in that moment, you should do it. 

Resisting panic sounds easy, but it can be extremely hard if you are not used to ignoring that panic voice that goes off in your mind. I've learned that panic only creates more anxiety, which also creates a longer time for your body to calm down, so you need to say to yourself ' NO, we aren't going to panic because I am in charge," because we all know that YOU are in charge.

Drinking warm tea or electrolytes is good to help regulate and calm your nervous system

And lastly, know and understand that you can overcome anxiety when you take persistent steps regularly. Making these things part of your daily routine can lower anxiety attacks, panic attacks, and spiraling. But none of this will happen if you don't put in the work. SO put in the work, and you will see change.