If you experience anxiety on a regular basis, you know just how unpleasant it can be. If you are also a single mom, that anxiety can create even more havoc!
Feeling stressed and overwhelmed isn’t any way to live, but for many people, it’s a reality and a part of the regular day-to-day routine. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way. While it may take some effort, there are plenty of healthy habits you can incorporate into your life to help combat anxiety.
If you’re looking to live with less anxiety, here are eight habits you may want to consider:
Journal.
Sometimes anxiety strikes because you’re overwhelmed by the sheer number of thoughts racing around in your mind, competing for attention. In these situations, embracing a journaling habit can be incredibly helpful. By letting the words flow out of your mind and into the world, you’ll feel less stressed and be able to analyze your problems from another angle.
Exercise.
Science has shown exercise to be an excellent way to combat stress and anxiety. If you suffer from anxiety, consider adding a little more movement into your routine. Find something you love, whether it’s biking, hiking, dancing, or diving, and make it part of your regular routine to enjoy stress-reducing benefits.
Clean up!
Living in a space with lots of physical clutter can take a toll on our mood and mental health. If there’s a chance your anxiety may be caused by the clutter in your home, make a habit of spending 10 or 15 minutes each day tidying up and getting rid of things you no longer need. You’ll be amazed by the difference it makes.
Show up early.
Running behind schedule can be an easy way to stress yourself out. Instead of feeling like you’re perpetually behind, make it a point to get ahead. Getting wherever you need to be with a few minutes to spare can give you some valuable time to relax and get your head in the right space.
Meditate.
Meditation can be an incredible tool when it comes to learning how to control your thoughts and find your focus even in moments of stress and chaos. Not sure how to start? There are quite a few apps out there that offer guided meditation for beginners, so install one and give it a try! You may feel silly at first, but you’ll reap plenty of benefits if you stick with it.
Set micro-goals.
Maybe your anxiety stems from feeling overwhelmed at the sheer amount of stuff you need to do. If you struggle with making progress toward your goals and actually accomplishing tasks, consider breaking down those bigger achievements into smaller steps and celebrating micro-goals.
Avoid caffeine.
As much as you may love your morning cup of coffee, it may actually be contributing to your anxiety – especially if you don’t just stop after one serving. Consider curbing your caffeine intake for a week or two and seeing how you feel. You may be surprised by the difference in your stress levels.
Do something for yourself.
In many instances, we get stressed and overwhelmed because we’re busy taking care of others – putting all of our time and energy into the well-being of those we love. It’s important to remember to take care of yourself, too. Make a habit of spending a little time each day or week relaxing and doing something that truly makes you happy.
Incorporate one or more of these habits into your life and you’re sure to see your anxiety levels drop. What steps do you think you can take to really get your anxiety under control? Leave a comment and let me know!
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