We all have those days where we feel anxious, worried or scared. This can be due to a multitude of things – maybe family issues, work and school deadlines or because you have an anxiety disorder. I used to have EXTREMELY anxious days, even to the point where I’d have at least one panic attack a day, until I created a routine for my anxious days to make them a little less…anxious!
In this post, I’ll be giving you my 6 top tips for reducing anxiety, calming down and having a relaxing day!
Meditation/Deep Breathing
Meditation has SO many benefits – reducing stress and anxiety, improving self awareness, better focus and concentration and generally boosting happiness. For me, finding time, (even just 2-5 minutes a day) to meditate has completely changed my mindset. I swear by it to reduce stress, reset, as well as gain more clarity in life. When you sit quietly with yourself, you can really learn to relax and detach from your anxious thoughts. My favourite way to meditate is to listen along to guided meditations on YouTube – I just search for a meditation that fits with how I feel that day, so I’m constantly finding new people and ways to meditate. You can also just spend a few minutes focusing on your breath, perhaps breathing in for 5 and out for 7.
Reading
Last year, I really wanted to find a genre of book that I could really get stuck into and read at least one book a month. Now, I’ve become an obsessive reader of non fiction books, mainly based around personal development and improvement, and I easily reach, and often surpass, my one book a month goal. Reading what I love and am passionate has opened my eyes to so many ideas that I have implemented in my life that have MASSIVELY helped with my anxiety. I also read a lot of lighthearted fiction books to take my mind of my anxious thoughts – it can really transport your mind.
Moving Your Body
We all know that exercise reduces anxiety but most of us still don’t do it – we don’t have time, we can’t afford a gym membership, we don’t enjoy it – but the truth is, like finding the right book for you, there is an exercise for everyone, you just have to explore your options. I have tried so many different types of exercise but never really enjoyed it, therefore, didn’t make time for it. However, I’ve always enjoyed practicing Yoga, so this year I attempted to create a regular Yoga routine that would fit in with my life. I now practice Yoga weekly and it’s been amazing for instilling calm and tranquility, improving my flexibility and general wellbeing. It’s all about finding what YOU love, and not just going along with things that other people are doing or just what you see on Instagram. Moving your body a little bit can greatly reduce anxiety!
Essential Oils
In my 9 Things I Bought This Year That Have Bettered My Life Post, I spoke about how oil diffusers have become very popular in the last year, and it’s easy to see why – they are a unique talking point in a room, look great around the home and make your home smell amazing! Not only that, but they also purify the air in your home, and, depending on which oils you use, can help to relax, energise, uplift you, as well as help sinuses and allergies! But, depending on the oil you diffuse, they can be GREAT for anxiety! My favourite oils to diffuse are lavender and eucalyptus. Inhaling scents like lavender can really calm you and make you feel SO relaxed. You can find an amazing essential oil diffuser HERE.
Surround Yourself With Nature
This year, I decided to commit to being a plant mom! I’ve become something of a plant hoarder, and now my room is full of all types of exotic and colourful plants. Not only do I love the fact that my space now looks like a tropical paradise, but having plants around really boosts my mood and happiness. If you feel super anxious, perhaps to the point where going outside makes you anxious, having plants in your home can bring a little bit of nature INSIDE! They also have multiple benefits, mainly purifying and cleaning the air of toxins. There are so many plants to choose from that I’m sure you’d find one you love and one that fits your lifestyle. Check out my Best Houseplant Guide to find out my favourites.
Take a Magnesium Bath
I found out this year that almost everyone is deficient in magnesium, and this can cause a LOT of symptoms and issues that often go unexplained. One of these symptoms is…ANXIETY! So this year, I’ve massively upped my magnesium intake by taking supplements, but also by using magnesium salts in my bath a couple of times a week. This is my favourite way to take magnesium as it’s relaxing, fast absorbing and it makes your skin really soft! My favourite salt to use is Westlab, and I use about 500g in a big tub of water. You could also put a few drops of lavender essential oil in too, just to maximise the calming effects. These bath salts are made of magnesium sulphate.
So there are my 6 top tips for reducing anxiety! Tell me how you handle your anxiety down below!
