Dealing with anxiety is difficult, and there are many healthy ways to manage it. Whatever works for you is good enough.
Anxiety, by its nature, is not very supportive. In fact, it can be quite the opposite. It can convince you that you are not enough, that what you are doing is not enough - if you let it.
When it comes to anxiety, preparation is vital. I always stress that doing the work every single day, especially the good days, will make the hard days just that little bit easier.
Positive affirmations, journaling and having somewhere where you keep your go-tos and your coping techniques that you can refer to when anxiety strikes is incredibly important. You are incredibly important.
Whatever way you cope, it’s vital you remember that that is enough.
Positive affirmations
‘Positive affirmations’ is a new age term to describe the practice of positive thinking and self-empowerment. It is the belief that with a positive supported mindset, anything is possible.
What we think is what we believe. Positive affirmations, with practice, can change your mindset on your self-worth and really change your life.
Writing them down and even just reading them aloud can be a huge help on dark days.
Here are some examples:
- I am loved
- I am enough
- I am strong
- I am in charge of my emotions
If you have any negative images of yourself, then think of the opposite and write that down.
Know what is enough
Anxious days are tough. They can come out of the blue and really take their toll. If you find yourself struggling, know that you should make self-care your first priority.
Try to look inside and see what type of self-care you need in that moment. That might be lying in bed all day, sleeping or even cancelling plans. Just know that that's exactly what you need for yourself at that time.
Ignore the voice that is telling you that you’re not good enough and that you are not doing enough. And know that whatever you do today, even just to get through the day, is enough. You are enough.
