EMPOWERMENT & WELLNESS | How to Banish Anxiety and Regain Control
This message goes out to that sneaky bastard mofo ANXIETY. ⠀
The type that leaves you feeling like you're wading through quicksand. Like you're breathing underwater. Like your every thought is out to destroy you. Like the simplest task requiring any kind of mental lifting is all too much.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Do you know what I'm talking about? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I want you to know that if you suffer from anxiety, you're not alone. The global pandemic has seen a HUGE spike in people suffering from anxiety and depression. It's a really shitty & stressful time for a lot of people.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I've had high functioning anxiety for a lot of my adult life, which got a whole cosmic motherload worse once I became a mum. All that sleep deprivation realllllly did a number on my mental health.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
These days I manage it through meds, hypnotherapy, meditation and good old fashioned 'calling a time out on life'. As I did today, when I woke up with that horrendously familiar feeling of something huge sitting on top of your chest and taking up residency.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
If you're feeling overwhelmed & crippled with anxiety I’ve included some steps below to try and regain control and stop that overwhelmed feeling from crushing you.
Acknowledge it
Let’s start by acknowledging that sneaky fucker anxiety, and calling it out, however it raises its head for you, and vowing to do something about it.
Feeling anxious, overwhelmed and stressed is our body’s way of alerting us to a need for change and rest. So listen to it.
Reach out to someone
Talking over your worries and concerns with someone can be hugely beneficial. Talk to your doctor about options (there is NO stigma in asking for help, and absolutely NO shame in seeking help via medication. Repeat after me)
Find a trusted friend or therapist who is good at listening without judging. Talking can really help to offload racing thoughts and put things into perspective; something that often gets clouded by anxiety.
There are some really helpful resources such as Beyond Blue which I'll include below; I've also recently discovered a nifty little app @woebot, which is a mental health chatbot! It combines clinically validated therapy programs with the power of AI. Like having a therapist on tap whenever you need it. It's pretty cool for an anxious nerd like me.
Step off the treadmill and look after YOU
Whether that’s by having a day or two off, taking a tech break, stepping away from social media or taking more naps; do whatever it takes to help you unplug and unwind. Step away from anything too stimulating, and put whatever isn’t urgent or important on the backburner.
Fuck it! Focus on making YOURSELF the priority; everything else can either wait or be delegated to your partner or to other family members. You cannot give from an empty cup babe, so tell everyone you are taking a break, and then take it!
Meditate
Studies have shown that meditation can help people cope with stress. If you’re a newbie to meditation, you could try an app with guided audio meditations. Tai chi is also great for moving meditation.
Take some time out and breathe
Deep breathing and slowing down can improve our mood and stress levels. Whenever I start to feel overwhelmed with racing thoughts I treat it like a red flag from my body to stop what I’m doing, sit down and start taking some deep breaths. I love doing some breathwork as well- there are some great online groups that do guided breathwork sessions that help bring your focus back to breathing and oxygenating. Great for slowing down the heart rate and lowering the cortisol levels, too. ⠀⠀⠀⠀
Get some movement in your day
Preferably outdoors! Physical activity has been shown to reduce anxiety, depression and stress. I like to pick something that brings me joy like dancing, hiking or walking in nature. We have an innate attraction to nature so outside whenever you can and get the benefits of fresh air and vitamin D at the same time.
Reach out for help
This bears repeating. If you’re struggling, please reach out. You are not alone, and you do not have to go through this by yourself.
You deserve to feel happy and loved. There is no shame in recognising your mental health struggles. It’s a sign of immense power and strength to take that first step to overcoming them and getting your life back in control.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Beyond Blue 1800 512 348⠀⠀⠀
QLife (LGBTI) 1800 184 527⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
*If you are in an emergency, or at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, please call 000 or Lifeline 13 11 14
Feeling inspired? Want to share your wellnes tips?
Feel free to get in touch with me
At Killer Queen we LOVE and CARE for our community so much- your health, safety and wellbeing is paramount! We truly believe self love needs to be at the forefront of everything we do.
We’re also HUGE believers in rest, setting boundaries and relaxation as integral parts of self-care. We’re throwing hustle culture in the bin and encouraging gentle, mindful work instead of grinding away and burning out. We’d love to encourage you on your journey to truly loving and nourishing yourself from within.
Explore More on the Blog..
Blog Archive
- July 2024 1
- February 2022 1
- December 2021 1
- November 2021 1
- October 2021 6
- September 2021 2
- August 2021 4
- July 2021 3
- June 2021 4
- May 2021 2
- April 2021 1
- March 2021 1
- February 2021 3
- January 2021 4
- December 2020 4
- November 2020 3
- October 2020 2
- September 2020 1
- August 2020 2
- July 2020 3
- June 2020 1
- May 2020 1
- April 2020 1
- March 2020 2
- February 2020 3
- January 2020 3
- November 2019 2
- October 2019 1
- September 2019 1
- August 2019 2
- July 2019 1
- June 2019 2
Want to silence your inner critic and feel like the boss queen you are?
Our FREE self love manifesto is here to help guide you to a more positive mindset of self-love, self-gratitude and self-acceptance.
It’s time to start shining from the inside and telling that negative self talk to shove off!
you may also like…
Checking your thoughts and actively working to change your perspective can be paramount to dealing with major change.