⟡Accept, Cope and Adapt — Living with Anxiety ⟡
Accept: That there are things that are out of our control, that aiming for perfection is an unrealistic expectation for anyone, that we make mistakes and that’s okay, that we can only do so much in one moment/day/week, that challenging/difficult times are temporary and also inevitable— just as the good and wonderful moments, too, etc.
Cope: Resolve what you can. Redirection (helpful distractions) to preoccupy your mind with activities you enjoy like talking to a good friend, watching a movie you like, taking a walk, drawing a picture, writing in your journal.
Adapt: Build a routine that supports your comfort and sense of peace— like meditating for 5 minutes each morning, or using grounding coping skills like breath work and stretching. Making sure you are getting a good nights rest (as sleep greatly impacts our mental well-being and more)— by having a wind down routine that works for you and makes you feel cozy. Some take showers and get into comfy PJs, or use skincare products, drink sleepy time tea, read a good book, avoid screen time, etc. More ways to adapt include challenging your restless mind or intrusive thoughts with some perspective-taking and reassuring yourself — like being mindful of your emotional reasoning (when we believe something is true because we feel it despite having actual evidence to support it), also catastrophizing (imaging something as much worse than it really is)/fortune-telling (assuming the worst is ahead), etc.
Most importantly, know that you’re not alone. You’re not alone in the experience of having anxiety but most importantly, you deserve comfort and company who makes you feel safe and heard. Please, reach out for support because sometimes just having someone there — whether in a chat box, phone call or in-person— is the soothing we need to return to center.
Let me know if this was helpful for you, or if it was a good refresher. ♡ ᵕ̈
⟡ Be well, stay safe and take care, y’all. ⟡
Also, can you think of any ways you can find acceptance in your life right now? There are levels to acceptance— much like forgiveness— so this may require some healing, patience and self-compassion. Acceptance can be simple but if this is challenging, this is completely natural and okay too.
What are some ways you like to cope that are helpful for you? Is there anything you’d like to try?
And, finally, how have you learned to adapt in order to bring yourself more peace, comfort and groundedness? Or how would you like to?
Heyyyy @zaatarHoney, I joined cups in 2020 and got to know about you via the forum threads then, how you were an active leader in the community back in the day, you've inspired many and been a good support for countless people. It felt like a big #fomo moment when you were on a break, it's more than okay too hehe, we all deserve a break, but it felt like missing out knowing an incredible hooman. Soooo I couldn't help but jump here as I saw your name with this thread, and just had to let you know of your massive impact on people you probably haven't even met! ❤
It's so so good to see cups-oldiees being back (in whatever capacity they are able to). How have you been?
We have a welcome Back Committee now, you can find information here (clickable), and reach out. Your peers and mentors are here for you. My PMs are open to you anytime also! ❤
And now for the post lol, sorry got carried away xD
Its sooo brilliantly written, wonderful tips and very very comforting messages here. Thankyouu for taking the time to share it with the community! ❤
I somehow find brisk walking to be very calming for me, when I'm feeling anxious, and listening to music while I'm at it! Repeating certain affirmations to remind self that XYZ won't happen and it's okay to take time processing things, safety reminders and comforting assurances too help a lot in grounding at times!
I read it somewhere and tried also, splashing cold water is quite helpful as well, when the anxiety hits! And okay what else xD, journaling, a let out for the overwhelming emotions!
How about you, what do you find helpful when feeling anxious?❤
@Sunisshiningandsoareyou
I am devastatedly in awe of the kindness you’ve just shared with me, Suniii. I deeply and genuinely appreciate so much that you would reach out with such thoughtful intentions— and now that we’ve crossed paths and you’ve given me a glimpse of your presence and light, bc the Sun is most definitely shining, I officially have retrospective FOMO so please consider us even. Lol! ‧⁺◟( ᵒ̴̶̷̥́ ·̫ ᵒ̴̶̷̣̥̀ )
Thank you so much for your compassion. Really. Between surviving society and navigating an imperfect medical system with life-threatening illnesses— it was a break I never wanted, but had to take. 7 Cups crossed my mind so much and by the time I felt like I had the capacity to return, I was afraid to— seems silly now, but I wasn’t sure my account would even still be here. My fiance nudged me to— over the past few years, he’s known how much I’ve missed it here. Being welcomed back is one of the most invaluable gifts I’ve ever received. We absolutely need to keep connected ᵕ̈ bc I’d love to collaborate w you on here. I don’t even care what. It’s gonna be magical.
Look whose getting carried away now, eeeesh. ( ˘͈ ᵕ ˘͈♡)˚๐*˟
I *love* your coping toolkit. These are all incredible ways you support yourself thru tough times and I completely relate with you. I definitely appreciate the reminder to show myself more patience— I really needed that. I usually do. & Although I cannot walk much anymore, I do love using music too— when a song speaks to my experience, the lyrics allow me to focus on one thought at a time— or I choose songs that respond to my inner-conflict with compassion/understanding. Which is basically just a long-winded way to say that sometimes I listen to alt-rock/rock/metal/hip hop and sometimes I listen to soul/R&B and gospel. Lol!
Splashing water on my face can be helpful— or just holding my hands under the running faucet water. If it’s hot out, putting an icy drink against my face— or if it’s cold out, something hot. It brings me right back to here. in this body.
Journaling, creating art and music too. The most helpful is definitely the grounding exercises though— becoming oriented w my body, and doing breath work. I used to kinda roll my eyes a lil when it was suggested to me bc I thought it was corny and I didn’t find it helpful before— but I think it’s because sitting still wasn’t in my wheelhouse before I became disabled. It took a couple years to find peace within the grief and shock of everything that transpired… and while I was always grateful to have survived, gratitude eventually became my central focal point— like being grateful to have breath in my lungs. I’m realizing right now actually that maybe that’s why I’m more generous with the time I give to honor it, and why I finally got to witness how and why it works. ♡
I am so glad you responded!! This was really thought-provoking and has inspired the night I’m going to have— so thank you for this second wind.
@zaatarHoney
Thanks for this great refresher - really insightful and helpful
@ListenerGeorge
Thank you so much for giving it a read! If you’d like to build, challenge or contribute to these concepts in any way, you’re more than welcome and encouraged to do so. ᵕ̈
