Top Self Care Tips for Someone With Anxiety*

If you follow my social media you’ll know that I really struggle with anxiety at the start of the year. The whole unknown black hole that is the coming year is a big trigger for me. Along with some particularly tough dates in the calendar and how quiet work tends to be, it’s a tough time.

I’ve now struggled anxiety for almost 8 years, i’ve talked about it a few times on the blog and how it’s a fall out effect from having PTSD. I’ve done it all in the name of recovery, therapy, medication.. but these days I try to ride the lows out myself. For the most part, I can do it. I can get through the year on only a couple of big anxiety attacks. I recognise the low times and I inform the people around me that I may need help. But most importantly, I take time to practise self care.

For a long time I let self care slide, I lived on autopilot and looked after my kid rather than myself. It wasn’t healthy and I know that now. I make sure I practise what I preach. And today I want to share some of my favourite self care tips for times I’m feeling most anxious.

Feel Good from the Outside In
With mental health sometimes you have to fake it til you make it. Don’t under estimate the power of a bubble bath, some relaxing candles and a face mask. You do see a lot of people saying “self care isn’t bubble baths” but a bubble bath is one of the most relaxing things you can do. Especially in the evening. Line up your vanity unit with all your favourite products and get to work. Just sometimes feeling good on the outside makes you feel a little better on the inside.

Go for a Walk
When you start going to therapy the first thing they’ll tell you is how great exercise is. That exercise releases chemicals in the brain that are positive for your mental health. But if you’re anything like me, that’s the last thing you’ll want to do, and that’s why I’m simply saying, go for a walk. When I’m feeling super anxious or antsy (I cannot stop moving and keep fidgeting) I shove on the Hamilton soundtrack and stride out. Even just for 20 minutes. If I don’t have my headphones I play Pokemon Go. Both are great at occupying my anxious brain while I walk so I don’t start to spiral.

Hop on Your Bike

If going for a walk isn’t enough, and you’d like something a bit more adventurous, taking your bike for a ride might be a better option. For starters, an e-bike is excellent for relaxing rides. They’re easy to control like ordinary bikes, but they’re equipped with a battery-powered motor that gives you an additional boost when you pedal. An e-bike is easier to accelerate and ride through uphill paths. That means you can ride faster, farther, and longer without exhausting yourself.

E-bikes are great for beginners because you don’t need to have stellar stamina and endurance to cycle for a long time. It also won’t harm your knees and legs if you have joint problems. Riding an e-bike, seeing different scenery, and getting some fresh air is a great way to soothe your anxiety. It’s an excellent means of transportation too, so consider getting yourself an e-bike.

Distract Yourself
My biggest issue when I’m overly anxious is my brain running away with itself. So I’ve learned ways to distract it. Especially when I’m trying to go to sleep. During the day I keep myself occupied. Reading a book is great as it keeps my hands and my brain busy. Or I spend time with someone so they talk over my internal voice being negative. At night to drown out that voice I listen to audiobooks or I put something comforting on Netflix. My favourite is Schitts Creek. I’ve seen it so many times, it’s very pure and lovely and I know what’s going to happen so if I dose off it’s no issue. The best thing about Netflix is it shuts down itself after a while.

Usually, putting all this into place on days I’m struggling helps keep me level. I still might pick my fingers, fidget and have unsavoury thoughts, but I can find moments of calm in my day and that’s often exactly what I need to get through it.

What selfcare do you use when you’re struggling with anxiety?