Stressed Out? Here’s What I’ve Learned About Surviving Anxiety
Currently on my way back to LA after spending a week in my hometown in Minnesota. To say the Midwest is different from the west coast would be a total understatement, but it was a much needed break. I took the opportunity to disconnect completely and it did wonders for my anxiety. Lately I have been really, really anxious. I try not to dwell on negative emotions, but avoiding the topic entirely feels fake – like I’m hiding something or pretending as though my life is perfect (which no one’s is). With that said, I know anxiety is something many people suffer from. I’m still dealing with my own, but I wanted to talk about my journey surviving anxiety and how I’ve learned to deal with it.
I guess I’ve always been slightly anxious.
A little over a month ago, I received some bad news about a close family member which was a total shock to me. It made it next to impossible to focus on my job, my personal life, and my blog. Especially the blog. It didn’t feel right to talk about outfits and trends and topics that suddenly felt incredibly superficial when there were other more important areas for me to devote my attention to. As much as I am huge believer in the power of positivity, my energy levels were completely drained.
Yes, it helps to smile when you’re having a bad day and release any negative emotions. But sometimes it’s too hard to just let go – and that’s ok too. Learning to be okay with negative emotions and anxiety was a huge lesson for me.
Here’s what I’ve learned about surviving anxiety
We all take different approaches to dealing with stress and anxiety. I try to turn to healthy practices, which I’ve found to have a noticeable impact on my mind and body. Friends and family have recommended the same practices, saying they’ve experienced immense benefits from them.
Exercise
My #1 release – there’s nothing better than a good sweat to let go of your problems and focus on yourself for an hour. I’ve been turning to my favorite spots in LA and making sure to remind myself that despite everything that may be going on, it’s still important to take care of myself. The rush of endorphins is one of the things I look forward to most every week.
Meditation
As important as it is to nourish your body, something I haven’t always practiced consistently is the act of nourishing your mind. We’ve all heard of the endless benefits of meditation, but do we actually make the time to practice in our daily lives? Even 10 minutes a day makes a difference (I love the app Headspace). A yoga class does wonders as well – especially the shavasana at the end of the class.
Communicate
Talk to your family and friends. Journal. See a therapist. Communicate in a way that feels wholesome and fulfilling to you. If you’re a private person, try writing down your thoughts and tracking them over time. You may find it to be more satisfying than holding everything in.
Get away
Even if it’s just a day trip or a staycation. Going to see my family and unplugging from social media allowed me to refocus, get past my creative rut and writer’s block, and go back to real life ready to tackle the week. Travel is always one of the best ways to grow, disconnect, and unwind. With summer basically here, I cannot wait to get away for some trips this summer.
Hope everyone has a beautiful week! I’m excited to get back to a regular posting schedule and enjoy the sun and upcoming long weekend. Who’s with me?
xx, Amy
jacket: blank nyc | romper: flair the label | shoes: marc fisher
Great post, thanks for sharing!
http://www.gloryofthesnow.com
How you described yourself is exactly the way I am as well! Thanks for sharing your tips, exercise always helps me in the long run!
Briana
http://beyoutifulbrunette.blogspot.com/
Yoga does wonders for me. I try and stay longer than the 10 minutes and use that time to recover even before the class begins. Always a great read Amy!
http://jamieonthings.com/
Hoping you’re feeling better after visiting your hometown Amy! Even though I’m not a Type A, I’m a person that often looks to the future a lot, and all of the unknown makes me super anxious and nervous. Aside from communicating, exercising, and unplugging, I’ve also found that focusing on the present also helps 🙂 Thank you for sharing this great post! And of course, beautiful outfit as always! Loving the denim jacket so much!
XO, Elizabeth
http://clothestoyouuu.com/
I think I understand very well what you’re talking about in this post. Sometimes you really need to focus on the priorities for the current moment and things will get better eventually 🙂
Thanks for letting us in with such a personal post. Even in the short time I’ve had my blog, I have also found I’ve had to de-prioritize it when other life circumstances come up. I really appreciate the fact that you shared such a personal part of your life behind the blog. Sending good vibes your way in LA and to your family back in MN! I also spent this last weekend in Woodbury with my family. Being home always does wonders for my anxiety too. <3
Jenn
http://www.honeydewblog.com
I totally understand how stressful blogging can be! Enjoy taking time off in Minnesota to be with loved ones. This is such a great post, and your outfit is adorable as well!
http://www.thecharmingolive.com
xx, Adelina
This must have been a really hard post to write but I’m so glad you shared this with us 🙂 Hope things are only looking up from now and hope you have an amazing week Amy girlie! <3
XO Jessi,
http://www.mywhitet.com/cannes-recap-pt-1/
Love all the tips you provided on this post babe!
Such a gorgeous and cozy outfit! That pineapple print purse looks so cute!
I hope you’re feeling better now. I can feel your struggle, I too deal with anxiety. Disconnecting with all your social media and travelling sounds like a great getaway! 🙂
xx
https://simpliannie.wordpress.com/
Exercise and meditate work the best with me!!! Btw, I have finally finished reading ‘you are a bad ass’. Such a great book! and reading it helps me to distress and teaches me how to cope with anxiety
xx, Jessie
http://4evajessie.com/calm-the-fxxx-down/
Wow, good for you for saying this Amy. I think a lot of people suffer from anxiety, especially wanting everything to be perfect. That is just not always possible! It can be a tricky with a blog….always wanting to put your best foot forward, but not everything always goes accordingly to plan. Being able to take a break, and a step back is always wonderful. Your beautiful photos drew me to your blog, and I really enjoyed reading your post. I’m a first time visitor, but will definitely be back. Enjoy the rest of your week!
Lyndi
http://www.stylecalling.com
Fantastic tips babe! Anxiety is just the worst, it’s so crippling sometimes. I find exercise is an amazing stress relief for me. Sometimes simply going for a walk in the fresh air works wonders! I really would love to learn how to meditate too! Xx
https://theemasphere.com
Thanks for sharing this ….love your look BTW….but also loved the content of this post. It’s so true that so many of us suffer from anxiety (myself included) but excercise and getting alway always help me big time
Erica Valentin
http://www.EricaValentin.com
Great post, thanks for sharing 🙂 these tips are so helpful to deal with anxiety.
Camille xo
http://www.cococami.blogspot.co.uk
You’ve got great style- and some great thoughts. Exercising and getting away and two perfect ways to help destress. If I didn’t exercise every day and go away at least once a month then I’d be a big ball of stress!!!
xx Courtney// https://courtneylivin.com
These tips are really useful, and indeed, exercising really helps with pretty much everything. Also getting away and communicating really help in combating stress. Wishing you a great day! xx
Andreea,
http://couturezilla.com/
this romper looks amazing!
LOVE, Tiffany Lea
https://zimmylifestyle.com
Excersize helps me sooo much! I hate getting out of bed and starting and I hate the during but after working out I just feel so much better.
BTW loving the look!!
xo | Cindy Elena
http://www.boringclothes.com
Always enjoy stopping by here for a good read! Thanks for always being so open and honest with us!
Much love from Napa Valley!
Paulina | Shenska
So sorry to hear you received bad news, hope the family trip left you well and make sure to take time to yourself when need be. Mental health is the most important
http://www.fashionflurry4.com
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