mental health

One of my favorite activities in the world is purging household items.  Yes, even more than spending date night reading labels in the grocery story.  Don’t I sound like a good time?  The less you have, the better.    And when I say less, I’m referring to – clothing, kitchen tools, food, furniture, mail, pens, ect.  But today I’m taking it a step further.  We’re getting rid of any unwanted feelings, memory’s, or conditions.

We’re talking – SOCIAL MEDIA

We all get nervous & feelings of being anxious.  And a lot of us have gotten excellent at pushing through nerves & coming out the other end feeling proud + accomplished.  But then there’s this little devil that’s a step above nerves, anxiety.  I’ve wanted to write about my anxiety for a year now but every time I sit down to do it, I back out.

I had my 1st panic attack almost 2 years ago & have had anxiety issues since then.  I’ve always known nerves, but never panic.  And never severe anxiety.  Anxiety that I felt like I couldn’t control on my own.

There was a lot happening at the time of my first panic attack that likely led to it, but in all honestly my anxiety has been somewhat random since then.  There are certain scenarios I think will trigger anxiety, and other scenarios I feel like I’ll be comfortable in – then, the exact opposite happens. 

I’ve been wanting to share my ideas to shake away anxious or depressing moods for a few weeks, & I think it happened at the perfect time!  My list was recently tested since the big ol allergy attack & now I’m pretty confident in it.  At least one of the ideas below can get your spirits lifted, because there’s nothing uglier than a bad mood or ANXIETY.

DISTRACT, DISTRACT, DISTRACT.  That’s kind of the ultimate goal.  Distract your mind.  Typically, I’m trying to steer clear of sadness, anxiety, stress, or worry. 

When I graduated college, I listened to gangster rap 24/7 – afraid of the other radio stations.  After receiving a college degree & barely getting an interview at Starbucks, I was having a rough time.  And gangster rap had it’s special way of keeping my mind in a “fuck you” spirit, which was better than sad pop or country songs pushing me closer & closer to a quarter life crisis.  

I suggest, starting with one idea & moving to the next if it doesn’t work.  And when you find one that does work – milk it for awhile.

10 EASY WAYS TO CHANGE YOUR MOOD
1. Talk to Yourself:   A loving dialogue.  I learned this from Yoga.  Have you ever tried telling yourself nice things??  WAY more difficult than it sounds. Be nice to yourself, tell yourself kind things:  “I am happy.  I am brave.  I am strong.  I am healthy.  I’m doing the best I can.  I’m powerful. I am ok.”   Try it!

2. Podcasts:  Podcasts basically cured my anxiety.  I can 99% depend on them to relieve anxiety.  I listen to Joe Rogan when I need a distraction or Juicy Scoop when I need background noise & a quick laugh.  All of my Insta Stories at the park? I’m ALWAYS listening to a podcast.  I bring my headphones everywhere & pop them in w a podcast –  waiting rooms, shopping, when I’m getting ready, cleaning, working…

3. Music:   Even if you’re around other people – at work, next to your boyfriend, at the park.  Put your headphones in & find music that makes you feel good.  Try a few different genres, even if you’ve never heard of them.  i.e. Rap, when I need a confidence boost.  Country, when emotional.  Kygo Station when I have anxiety.  Pop, for a distraction.  Explore.

4. Shop:  I mean don’t get addicted here, but if you’re stressed – browse at the store or online.  Buy something that makes you happy or that you’ve been needing.  Even if it’s super small.  You’ll feel accomplished.  (Enter >> Amazon.)

5. Driving:  Take a break. Go for an easy/no traffic drive.  With music.

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