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| "Find your centre. The rest will come to you." - EK |
I am a Polish-Canadian, art-loving, free spirit who longs to help make the world a better place. I truly believe that everyone has an impact, that every life matters in this world. We are but the smaller parts of a huge picture.
I would like to impress the wisdom I have been blessed with from my personal journey these past few years. Upon facing adversity and some personal troubles, I stumbled off my well-paved sunny path of unwavering faith in a bright future, positivity, and harmony with the present moment.
Where my mind had once been an expanse of clear blue skies, there were now turbulent winds, intermingled with thunder and lightning. I could no longer keep calm, as anxiety was my 'new normal'. I began anticipating the worst, as that is what my mind was preparing for. My body, adrenalized, was performing at peak capacity, all the time.
Looking back, I do not know how I managed to keep a job in customer service in a fast-paced branch in the banking industry. My mind simply would not, could not focus. All my energy was being put towards, "I can't calm down. I need to calm down - why can't my mind focus? Ugh, I just need to make sure this is all right. What if this happens? What if it doesn't?' Of course, beating yourself up for your anxiety has the opposite effect one may desire on the road to recovery, but I digress.
Where there had once been calm, logical reasoning paired with an, 'okay, this is difficult but I've got this under control", there was a frantic, floundering anticipation-filled sea of emotions, physical, emotional, and mental distress. My mind was not my own anymore. I was living in such a state of fear, that I was living unconsciously. This means that I was constantly in 'reactivity' mode, bracing myself for the worst. I could no longer enjoy the present moment.
It did not matter where I was, who I was with, what I was doing, I could be alone in bed trying to sleep, and I would be terribly anxious. Heart-pounding, chest crushing, mind racingly anxious. Anxiety was, and had, utterly destroyed my happiness, my abilities to function 'normally' in my life, and to apply myself in life and live in the ways I knew I was capable. My relationships and relationships were likewise affected, as I was constantly stressed, jumping to conclusions, and mistrustful towards everything and everyone.
How did I become this way, when I had always been sunny, positive, and filled with a calm inner strength? I transformed into an anxious ball of fretfulness because I forgot who I am - I abandoned myself for another person. That is, however, a topic for another day.
Now let's get to the good stuff - the reason you are reading this post, the reason you have scrolled down to attain knowledge - how can you help yourself?
Yes, you read that correctly. Only you can help yourself out of your anxiety. I will explain how.
Here they are: my tips on how to bring yourself out of fear, and into a state of peace.
YOUR GUIDE IN BRINGING YOURSELF OUT OF FEAR, INTO PEACE
1. Get in Touch with Your Inner Child: Remember Who You Are and What is Important to You:
What on earth does that mean? Inner child? Chances are, if you have come out of a toxic relationship, or have otherwise fallen off track from yourself and your hobbies, you barely remember what makes you truly happy. The term 'inner child' is as it sounds - you are getting in touch with yourself, or a past, innocent version of yourself. Pull out your photo albums. As you let your fingers flip through the pages, remember who you were, and what you loved as a child. Recall the moments where you felt the most curious, the most alive. Was it a hobby? Or a particular interest? What sparked wonder in your mind? What currently sparks wonder deep within you?
2. Experiment with the Hobbies that Once Excited You, and Will Excite You Again:
After you have done some digging into what excited you as a child, try linking this to your current life and reflect how much of that joy is in your current routine. Did you used to draw, paint, sing, play sports, write, ride a bike as a kid? When did you stop, and why? I guarantee that for myself, the biggest component to my healing was the realization that my life is in my hands through doing what I love. I returned to art- began drawing digitally, which not only calmed my anxiety but distracted me from the intrusive thoughts I was struggling with. I began reading again, and slowly my frazzled mind began to focus in on the words on the page, and I was once again, miraculously, able to read for pleasure. Reading is my secret weapon against intrusive thoughts. Anytime I was 'ruminating' over something that was causing me a severe degree of distress, I would grab a book. If that didn't work, I would pick up my favourite leather-bound journal and write out what I was feeling. I still turn to the forms of art I adore to help me cope with my anxiety. The key is finding what works for you- it is within YOU.
This one is massively important. Whether it is simply going for a walk, swimming, dancing, weight-lifting, or running, it is a wonderful way to manage anxiety. In my experience, having anxiety is akin to having too much energy. It manifests in the mind as a storm of emotions, thoughts, and energy with no outlet. That is why it is imperative to direct that stream of untapped energy and direct it either outwardly or clear it away. Creative outlets are one way, moving your body is another fantastic method. It is important to learn to implement physical activity into your lifestyle, as it is critical to your mental health. Building a stronger body will teach you discipline, but it will also exhaust you in a healthy manner, and boost your mood. You will find you will sleep better and possess a sense of accomplishment after your workouts. If you absolutely despise physical activity or are unable to, then I implore you to try as best you can because it will vastly improve your mental health, long-term!
4. Spend Time in Nature: The World is Magical:
Since scientific research is out there, I will not get into the specifics of how it works, but share my personal experience to implore you to spend more time outside. You will feel at peace, one with the universe, the more you begin to slow down and appreciate the wonders around you. Nature is filled with infinite beauty and such remarkable detail that it will be impossible to not feel wonder at the miracles around you. The phrase 'stop and smell the roses' is not some cheesy cliche, but wise words that teach gratitude, appreciation, and the importance of slowing down in this fast-paced world.
5. Find Your Centre, Meditate, Breathe:
Much of healing can be learned in nature, and I hope the previous tip inspires you to do so. It is now time for you, to help you, with the attainment of peace, not by doing, but by being. I have, until this point, been writing to you telling you what to do in order to feel better, now I am telling you that in stillness you will find your centre. Actions will get the nervous energy out of your body, this holds true, but to truly find your centre you must be still. When you learn to slow down, your body will begin to feel safe again, and the symptoms of anxiety will decrease. You may begin with positive affirmations. Sit in silence, or with meditative music playing in the background. Close your eyes, and be still. Practice deep breathing, and really let yourself feel whatever you need to feel. This is the only way to heal anxiety, to feel all that needs to be felt. Let all the hurt, pain, frustration, anger out. Once you have felt what you need to feel, let it go. Release it into the abyss of the universe. Clear your mind, like a slate, and begin anew. Affirm to trust yourself, and in your own abilities. Anxiety is energy misguided, but it is also a lack of trust in yourself and your abilities to handle what life throws your way. Trust yourself, and laugh at what once was a cloud filled with doubt looming over you like a gloomy cloud.
"You will have to fight for your peace. But when you terminate the war between your mind and heart; my goodness will you be grateful for the struggle and the strength you have gained." - Emily Kott
I am on the road to recovery; recovering from anxiety and depression... your article has motivated me by teaching me a couple of new habits and mindsets. You are beautiful for writing what you have written, and I think you deserve a special thank you. Take care!
ReplyDeleteI am on the road to recovery; recovering from anxiety and depression... your article has motivated me by teaching me a couple of new habits and mindsets. You are beautiful for writing what you have written, and I think you deserve a special thank you. Take care!
ReplyDelete