Dear Frazzled,
Being anxious all the time does not sound like fun at all. I can understand your need to want to try other effective coping skills that may help. Since I am unfamiliar with what you have already tried, my suggestions may be repetitive but I will give it a try.
Let’s start with my favorite – blowing bubbles. Blowing bubbles is such an easy and effective coping skill because it is fun but also calms your nervous system down. Imagine blowing a bubble – you have to take a deep breathe in and exhale out. This alone is very effective but it is the second part of the activity that I love the most – mindfulness. Once you blow the bubbles, pay attention to the actual bubbles – are they floating up, sinking down, are they pink or purple, do they pop right away? By paying attention to the actual bubbles, not only is your nervous system calming down but you are also using it as a distraction and calming your worrying thoughts.
A second strategy is to use water, specifically hot and cold water. This one takes trial and error. Some people react better to putting their hands under ice cold water to redirect their thoughts and calm their nervous system down while other people like hot water. It is beneficial to try this when you are home to see if holding an ice cube helps or a warm cup of tea or coffee.
At the end of the day though, sometimes the best strategies for anxiety is talking about it with a trusted therapist who can help get to the root of the problem. If you would like to have a free consultation to see if therapy is a good option, please feel free to schedule a consultation with Mrs. Melissa at Anchor the Soul Counseling’s contact page to schedule your consultation now:
https://anchorthesoulcounseling.clientsecure.me/request/service
Sincerely,
Melissa J. Davis, MA, LPC, LCMHC
Owner, Anchor the Soul Counseling, PLLC.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and is based on a hypothetical scenario. It should not be considered professional medical, legal, or employment advice. Mrs. Melissa is not responsible or liable for any decisions, actions, outcomes, or consequences that may result from using or relying on the information provided in this article. Anyone experiencing significant or ongoing anxiety should consider speaking with a qualified mental health professional. If you are in a current mental health crisis, please call 911 or seek your nearest emergency room.