I’ve suffered from anxiety most of my life but I wouldn’t say it was awful or interfered with my day to day life until the last few months . I’m not sure if life’s current events triggered major anxiety and put every feeling into overdrive but I’ve never felt anything like it. It started with racing thoughts of panic, heart palpitations, not being able to eat, then full blown panic attacks. I was so tempted to call my doctor right away and ask for medication just so I could feel somewhat normal again. But I decided to look at my lifestyle first and find some more natural ways to ease my anxiousness. I started implementing small changes and it wasn’t a quick fix but each day I started feeling better and better.
+ cutting out caffeine. I had a withdrawal migraine from not having my morning coffee for about two days, but after that I stopped craving my morning latte and felt more naturally energized! Of course sometimes I miss that taste of a latte or the routine of it but I noticed just a tiny bit of caffeine will trigger me right now.
+ cutting out alcohol. I’m really not a big drinker, I occasionally love a margarita but don’t need one to feel relaxed. It wasn’t too hard but I’ll have a sip of Tasso’s here and there if I want a taste but will not have more than that.
+ CBD oil. LIFE CHANGING. I was really against CBD for the longest time because I thought it would get you high. I finally gave it a shot and let me just say – WOW! I love Equilibria products, I use their oil (5mg/0.5ml), in the AM and then 1 soft-gel (10mg), with dinner. You do not feel high whatsoever but just a sense of calm and like a weight is being lifted off your chest. Also their Relief Cream is great for headaches, back aches, and any other paints. I was able to score a discount code – use code “”ARIANALAUREN” for 15% off first order!
+ download the calm app. Whether you need a moment to sit in your body and take some deep breaths in or have a guided meditation, this app is amazing! I’ve found myself taking a few minutes, turning on the app and disconnecting for a few minutes is very helpful! Once you get into your breathing you realize how much better you feel, its almost as if you have been holding your breath all day and finally can breathe.
+ getting out in nature. I had heard about “forest bathing” which basically means getting out of the house and getting in nature. Taking a walk or just stepping outside to breathe in fresh air does wonders for me.
+ talking it out. If you feel like a panic attack is coming on don’t be scared to say it to a friend, family member, or significant other. Sometimes even just saying your worry out loud can take the air out of the anxious thoughts.
+ limiting the news, media, and mute/ unfollow any social media accounts that are triggering. When the shelter in place hit, I was watching the news constantly and checking Instagram constantly for updates, it was so triggering and now I only allow myself about an hour a day and try to get my news from very reputable sources.
I’m hoping I will be able to manage my anxiety without medication and I have definitely felt better the last few weeks. I would love to know if you have any tips to battling anxiety or panic attacks, comment down below. And know you are not alone!