Secrets to calming anxiety!

Anxiety is a common mental health disorder amongst many Americans today due to the overly fast-paced environment in which we live. Many of my friends don't know that I struggle with anxiety every day because it's not something I like to talk about or bring attention to since I am trying to overcome it. Below, I will share some tips, secrets, and research-based strategies I've learned and applied that have helped me in my four year journey.

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• Drink water as soon as you wake up in the morning!

Drinking cool or temperature room water when you wake up is a good way to get your immunue system awake and alive! This also helps with stress as water is a natural de-stresser and it calms the nerves. Wonder why people always ask for water when they're about to pass out, nervous, etc? Go to your local Target and get a Brita water bottle so you can stay hydrated. $19.99

• Stay away from coffee!

Research shows that coffee triggers anxiety in people who already struggle with this common disorder. The caffeine in coffee can make people more anxious hence "coffee or caffeine shakes" These shakes occur after you've drank too much coffee and your body is naturally trying to fight off what is going on in defense mode. Avoiding coffee is easier said than done especially when your occupation requires you to be up at 6 AM through the week, working with teenagers! A great alternative to coffee is a powerful women's multivitamin that aids in energy, supported with B-12! $13.99

• Practice meditation and breathing excersises!

Meditation is a FREE way to overcome anxiety as it helps with stillness and focuses on the inward and outward breathing excersises! This helps with anxiety in so many ways because if you're like me, when you're having an anxiety attack, one of the first things you feel is shortness of breath and a tight chest. Meditation has helped me tremendously and I strive to meditate every night on the "Insight Timer" app where there is guided meditation and a community of people who help others learn how to meditate each and every day! Try it out and let me know in the comment section how it helped you!

• Read your bible and journal/pray everyday!

Reading bible verses about anxiety, worry, and fear are helpful ways to ease the mind and know that anyone can overcome! Remember that nothing new is under the sun and God knows how to ease our mind and hearts! Talk to him daily whether in prayer or in a journal and he will guide you! Writing out my problems and talking with God helps me to release all the negative energy and thoughts to him so he can take care of whatever is going on in my life! (Psalm 55:22)