Anxiety is not the boss of you.
5 changes that can help you stop the scary spiral.
I have experienced paralyzing anxiety. I'm not speaking about that which I do not know. It's horrible, and scary as crap, and can ruin you for awhile. But I have wrangled it in and I know that you have so much more control over this than you think you do--because I do and I'm not so different from you. And maybe, just maybe, the latest drug is NOT the only or best way to deal with anxiety and depression. (Can I get an "AMEN!"?)
1. Consistently get enough sleep.
Yeah, yeah, you've heard this before. Sleep is important. 7-9 hours. Make it happen.
Action step: This week get up at the same time every day, but go to bed 10 minutes earlier each consecutive night. A routine can really help here.
2. Decrease your use of stimulants.
No, I'm not accusing you of using drugs, but how's that coffee/soda/smoking habit?
(BONUS free gift: less caffeine and nicotine helps you sleep better!)
Action step: Just for today, restrict your caffeine/nicotine usage to before noon.
Then do it again tomorrow. ;)
3. Stop comparing yourself to others.
In the words of P!NK: "Pretty pretty please, don't you ever ever feel like you’re less than, less than perfect."
Action step: Notice the words you say to yourself. Are you kind or are you terrible? Would you ever say those things to a friend?
4. Stand in your own integrity.
Boundaries, kids. You must learn where others end and you begin. Take responsibility for yourself, gracefully & unapologetically.
Action step: Check out Brene Brown’s “The Anatomy of Trust”.
5. Know your food intolerances.
Trust me on this one, sometimes what you eat on a regular basis can make you feel crazypants.
Action step: Trust yourself (see #4!) and consider talking to a naturopathic doctor to find out your food intolerances and check out the integrity of your gut and immunity--this is directly related to your mental health and therefore your penchant toward anxiety.
I'm Dr. Kirsten Harrison, and I would be honored to help you figure out what's at the root of your anxiety or other health issues.
Are we a good fit? I don't know, let's find out!
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