You Got This, Girl.

The past year I have learned head-on about this bitch. Her name is Anxiety. And she finds you when you are least expecting it and she can ruin your life, if you let her. After a full year of experiencing some of the worst anxiousness in my life, I think I can finally say I have some great coping mechanisms to help you out. This can range from mild stress to panic attacks, and I’ll give some tips for it all. Always remember, you are not alone. I have felt like I was the only one in the world some days, and other days I have found comfort in reaching out to people I know I can trust.

How To Kick Anxiety’s Ass

1. Organize yourself

In high school, when I got stressed about school, social life, work, and a combination of having too much to do, I loved to make lists. This may not be up everyone’s alley, but for me it helped knowing exactly how to separate my time and get. it. done. If you are anxious about apresentation, PREPARE. The kids that spend the most time practicing will likely do the best. If you are nervous for a speech, repeat it over and over. Take deep breaths!

2. Plan ahead

When I arrived at my first college, I struggled with serious anxiety. I felt like there was no way out, and if I was unhappy, I would have to stay unhappy until I graduated. When I planned ahead and decided to transfer, so much of that stress was lifted because I made a plan. If you are in a situation you don’t want to be in, plan what you want to say/do to change the situation and relieve the pressure.

3. Look to the future, enjoy the moment

If you are su!ering from situational anxiety, where the stress will be gone within a few days/weeks/months, do your best to enjoy the moment. Look to the future for motivation. Every morning when you wake up, take a deep breath and say, “I got this,” then go NAIL your day! Every night, make a list of 5 things you are grateful happened that day. Before you know it, the time will pass and you’ll be okay.

4. Lavender on your pillow

When I su!er from anxiety, I can have trouble falling asleep. For a natural remedy, a drop of lavender oil on your pillow before bed, or a melatonin sleep supplement can help you doze o!. A good night of sleep is so

important for your mental health.

5. JOURNAL!

Writing about stressors in your life can help you in such a positive way. Every mental health counselor will recommend writing your thoughts in a private journal, and getting everything out of on paper. It feels good, and is amazing to see what you can overcome when you look back.

6. Stay busy! Less phone time

Sitting and thinking can be a dangerous game when you su!er from anxiety. Keeping yourself occupied doesn’t allow you to constantly be in your head. Spice up your daily routine. I remember one day I was feeling bored with my daily patterns, so I went straight to the piercing parlor and got my helix pierced!

7. Work out

Working out is insanely good for your mental health. Believe it or not, studies show that working out regularly can treat moderate depression as well, if not better than antidepressants! Plus, you will feel more confident in your body. Even though you might hate it, you’ll love yourself when it’s over!

8. Counseling - talk to someone

Finally, if it all is too much and you feel like nothing helps, talk to someone. Counseling is never something to be ashamed of. Talking to your friends and family can be helpful, but a professional can give you guidance that you may not find elsewhere. Plus, you can say absolutely anything without feeling judged. If you need to talk to someone, recognize that and make it happen. If it’s what you want, you won’t regret it.