↑

  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Main Dish
      • Casseroles
      • Main Dishes: Beef
      • Main Dishes: Pork
      • Main Dishes: Poultry
      • Main Dishes: Vegetarian
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Sandwiches
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
      • Slow Cooker
      • Instant Pot
      • Holidays
  • Travel
  • Fitness & Health
    • health
    • free workouts
    • buy chanelle’s eBook!
    • shop chanelle’s faves
  • Pets
  • Crafts & DIY
  • Lifestyle
    • entertainment
    • home decor
    • productivity
    • style & beauty

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

  • About Us
  • Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

Eat Move Make

food | travel | lifestyle

  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Main Dish
      • Casseroles
      • Main Dishes: Beef
      • Main Dishes: Pork
      • Main Dishes: Poultry
      • Main Dishes: Vegetarian
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Sandwiches
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
      • Slow Cooker
      • Instant Pot
      • Holidays
  • Travel
  • Fitness & Health
    • health
    • free workouts
    • buy chanelle’s eBook!
    • shop chanelle’s faves
  • Pets
  • Crafts & DIY
  • Lifestyle
    • entertainment
    • home decor
    • productivity
    • style & beauty
Home » Health » 6 Things You Can Do Today to Ease Anxiety

6 Things You Can Do Today to Ease Anxiety

By: Liz  /  Published: May 2, 2017  /  Updated: May 2, 2017  /   Leave a comment

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
  • Share
  • Tweet

Okay so lyyyyke, I’m feeling much better! I removed myself from some situations that I believe were contributing to my heightened anxiety and depression, the weather is better, I am eating mostly plant-based foods, and I’m doing yoga again. I’m back in the zone y’all!

Chanelle Smith

If you have depression and/or anxiety, you know that it can make you feel like you have absolutely no control over your emotions or mental state. Actual conversation transcript:

Depression: It’s time for you to be sad.

You: …ok 🙁

Anxiety: And make sure to spiral out of control when something mildly inconvenient happens.

You: …I mean…if you insist 🙁

Depression and anxiety, in unison: We insist.

Some people’s anxiety requires more than just a few deep breaths. Please don’t be afraid to seek professional help if you need it! But if you have situational anxiety caused by stress in your life, there are some little things you can do to calm your symptoms — like the racing heart rate, monkey mind, or feeling like you’re out of breath.

Here are my top 6 favorite ways to deal with anxiety!

Track your emotions

When you’re feeling low or anxious, it’s hard to know what’s causing those feelings — sometimes the causes are things you can control, sometimes not.

Intentionally tracking your moods with an app makes it a lot easier to pinpoint triggers (like work, the weather, being around certain people, etc.) and determine if any of those triggers are things you can control. I am using a free app called Pacifica. Highly recommended!

Turn your phone and computer off

We’re all guilty of being too attached to our internet-capable devices and all the social media platforms that come with them. Being connected to each other on the internet is mostly good, but having access to all the information in the world at your fingertips can also easily lead to overstimulation and the comparison trap.

Social Media

 

If you find yourself picking up your phone often to mindlessly scroll through Instagram, then Facebook, then Twitter, then Snapchat, et. al — pause and think about how it’s making you feel. Does it make you feel happy? Or is it just temporarily alleviating your boredom? If it’s creating negative feelings rather than positive ones, it’s time to take a break.

One of my favorite ways to immediately deal with anxiety is to turn off my phone, close my laptop lid, and do something else for a few hours. Read a book! Watch a movie with your full attention! Hang out with your pet! It’s amazing how relaxed I feel after my temporary internet detox. Try it and see.

Take a bath

When I do my internet detoxes, I often like to use my web-free time to take a nice, hot bath. I might watch a show or movie on Netflix, read a book, listen to music or a podcast, or even just sit there and be alone with my thoughts (oooh spooky). Feel free to incorporate some lavender epsom salts, a nice-smelling candle, or my favorite — a delightful glass of red wine.

Read positive affirmations

I thought affirmations were a bunch of woowoo crap before I finally decided to try them.

I downloaded an app that gives a short, simple positive thought to meditate on each day. (Meditate as in read it over again a few times until it sinks in — you don’t need to spend 20 minutes on this or anything.) It’s such a simple thing but it’s a nice way to inject a little extra positivity into your day.

Get a little exercise

Moving your body is a good way to allow your mind to focus on something other than what’s stressing you out. No matter what form of exercise you choose, I recommend leaving your phone behind, in another room, or on Do Not Disturb mode.

Yoga helps me deal with anxiety

Hit the gym, go for a walk, or try my personal favorite form of exercise to ease anxiety: yoga! Choose a slow flow (yin or hatha) and focus on your breath. Make sure you don’t skip savasana at the end — it’s the best part. I like to use the YogaDownload.com channel on my Roku to find yoga videos.

Keep a gratitude journal

Keeping a gratitude journal is something new I’ve been doing for the past month or so, and I like it for the routine it gives me every evening as well as for the catharsis of recognizing everything I have to be thankful for.

I started with a blank journal. Each evening, I write the date at the top and then write a bulleted list of “Challenges” — things that are bothering me or worrying me, followed by a bulleted list which I label “Grateful for”.

These things don’t have to be particularly deep — my cat makes the list daily — simply things you’re grateful to have experienced throughout that day. Once a week or so it’s kind of nice to re-read your entries from the past week and reflect on them.


Even though it feels insurmountable sometimes, you can find relief from your anxiety. Each of these tips has helped me deal with anxiety and I hope they help you too!

Related topics
Healthanxiety depression mental health yoga

About Liz

Liz is a midwestern mom gone southern (accent in transition). She lives in North Carolina and loves cooking, baking, traveling, movies, crafts, hot and cold tea, wine, pizza and the occasional nap. She also revels in the fact she's a crazy cat lady.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Carol Cassara says

    May 4, 2017 at 12:22 pm

    This is exactly why I started my business. I would love to help people deal with these issues without having to take prescription. I

    Reply
  2. Amanda Love says

    May 4, 2017 at 12:20 pm

    Depression has always been around and so has anxiety, and over the years I have gotten better at dealing with it but it’s not exactly something that I want to keep around. I think these are great suggestions and it doesn’t hurt to try them.

    Reply
  3. Sherry says

    May 4, 2017 at 10:27 am

    I find going outside for a walk really helps. It’s all that vitamin D. Keeping a gratitude journal is a great idea.

    Reply
  4. Marielle Altenor says

    May 4, 2017 at 3:14 am

    Depression and anxiety are so real. Sometimes I just want to shut myself in a dark room. A walk usually helps me or a long hot shower. I did yoga for a while. I think I should start again.

    Reply
  5. My Teen Guide says

    May 4, 2017 at 1:48 am

    Anxiety and depression can really take a toll on our health. When I get one of those “blah” days, there are three things I do to overcome it – take a good long soak in the tub, sleep it off, and pray. I will try your other tips too. Maybe working out a good sweat will help release our natural stress reliever, the mighty endorphins.

    Reply
  6. Annemarie LeBlanc says

    May 4, 2017 at 12:45 am

    I like the idea of a long, warm bath and daily affirmations. No one else can convince you that your are great other than yourself. Other times, I just sleep it off. 🙂

    Reply
  7. Kristi says

    May 3, 2017 at 9:04 pm

    Some really great suggestions! Perfect timing for everyone, we really could ALL use these.

    Reply
  8. katriza says

    May 3, 2017 at 6:19 pm

    Such great trips! I have some anxiety and working out and getting a little exercise in totally helps on a daily basis !

    Reply
  9. Rosey says

    May 3, 2017 at 5:35 pm

    I love all of these ideas, especially the exercise. For the last few years I’ve been getting migraines when stressed out. I don’t like that at all!

    Reply
  10. Jamie says

    May 3, 2017 at 2:39 pm

    I take a bath when I get anxious! It is such a nice way to calm down and relax!

    Reply
  11. Jennifer g says

    May 3, 2017 at 1:49 pm

    I have anxiety badly. Sometimes the only way to calm it down is to jump into a hot bath with my tablet and watch netflix. It can be overwhelming.

    Reply
  12. Jennifer says

    May 3, 2017 at 11:36 am

    These are all such great ideas. I know that I find myself mindlessly scrolling when really I should be doing something else positive.

    Reply
  13. Jenni says

    May 3, 2017 at 10:20 am

    These tips would be really helpful. I sometimes have anxiety and it’s really not fun! Glad you shared these tips!

    Reply
  14. Jennifer Davis says

    May 3, 2017 at 8:12 am

    Wonderful article. Seasonal depression gets me every time no matter how hard I fight it & my sons anniversary date is in February so every year between going through normal grief & the seasonal depression it gets hard at times. These are some wonderful tips. I use to keep a gratitude journal I need to get back to that thanks for a wonderful reminder!

    Reply
  15. Brianne says

    May 3, 2017 at 8:06 am

    These are such great tips! I so need to start a regular workout routine to relieve stress!

    Reply
  16. Toni | Boulder Locavore says

    May 3, 2017 at 4:01 am

    These are really great tips! I could really use these tips and share it with my friends too!

    Reply
  17. Alicia Gonzalez says

    May 3, 2017 at 3:36 am

    It’s great that you are feeling well! It’s especially wonderful of you to share this post. I know several people dealing with anxiety and it can be hard to manage. It’s also so misunderstood. I hope this post helps people who are living with it, and those who need to be more supportive of the ones who are.

    Reply
  18. janis @mommyblogexpert says

    May 3, 2017 at 2:07 am

    Who doesn’t suffer from anxiety attacks in one form or another? Your post has some great ideas for finding the calm and peace when things are super stressful. Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us.

    Reply
  19. Dawn Lopez says

    May 3, 2017 at 1:08 am

    Yay that you are feeling better! I like a lot of your ideas. I think a gratitude journal might be in my future too.

    Reply
  20. valmg @ Mom Knows It All says

    May 3, 2017 at 12:54 am

    I love that you said woowoo crap. I hate dealing with depression, it can be such a challenge. Sometimes if circumstances permit I like to get in the car and turn up the music and just drive.

    Reply
    • Chanelle says

      May 3, 2017 at 11:57 am

      I love doing that too! Car karaoke therapy! 🙂

      Reply
  21. Natasha says

    May 3, 2017 at 12:16 am

    So this totally stepped all over my toes this evening, and now I want to cry because someone is totally writing about the way that I’ve been feeling for the last week or so. Thank you for being so open, and so raw. I appreciate it.

    Reply
  22. Fariha says

    May 2, 2017 at 11:18 pm

    These are really great suggestions. Turning off your devices is especially important. It’s so easy to ramp up the anxiety by everything you read online.

    Reply
  23. Anita Anderson says

    May 2, 2017 at 10:16 pm

    I agree with you on all points that you should seek help. I’m also curious as to what app do you use for positive affirmations. Do you have any that you recommend?

    Reply
    • Chanelle says

      May 3, 2017 at 11:58 am

      Hi Anita, the app I’m using is called “Unique Daily Affirmations”. It’s really simple with no frills and I like it!

      Reply
  24. Tami says

    May 2, 2017 at 9:15 pm

    This couldn’t have shown up on my laptop at a better time. Soaking in the tub with lavender Epsom salts does help but I need to try the other ideas too.

    Reply
  25. Olivia Douglass says

    May 2, 2017 at 9:03 pm

    Anxiet is a challenging thing. I don’t suffer daily but when I do, I know how tough it is. These are great tips!

    Reply
  26. Amy Desrosiers says

    May 2, 2017 at 9:03 pm

    Oh, trust me..I know all about anxiety. I have suffered from numbness all down my body, imaginary lumps in my throat and more. Anxiety is a bitch, and I am glad you got your’s under control.

    Reply
  27. Pam says

    May 2, 2017 at 8:25 pm

    These are real tips for taking care of yourself when you have anxiety and depression. Social media is great but it can be a real downer.

    Reply
  28. gingermommy says

    May 2, 2017 at 8:16 pm

    These are great! Exercise and positivity help me with my anxiety

    Reply
  29. Sarah says

    May 2, 2017 at 5:12 pm

    Such a great post! As someone who suffers from Bipolar Disorder, I have to make a conscious choice every single day of whether I am going to be happy or I am going to let depression get the best of me. There are so many ways that you can turn a depressing time into a great time, but the most important of all is to surround yourself with an amazing support system of loved ones and friends who can be your shoulder to cry on and your rock to lean on when you feel like you cannot get through the day. Thanks for bringing the conversation of depression up and getting people talking about it!

    Reply
  30. Maureen says

    May 2, 2017 at 5:10 pm

    Anxiety can really dehabilitate people glad you are sharing some tips on how to work through it. We need more people to know that there is help, there are ways to manage and to not be ashamed for sure!

    Reply
  31. christine says

    May 2, 2017 at 4:58 pm

    I am lucky enough to not suffer with anxiety ((yet)) but a lot of my friends/family do. I actually just started yoga and I never thought I would actually get my head into it and I’m amazed at how clear and fresh I feel afterwards.

    Reply
  32. Melissa says

    May 2, 2017 at 3:08 pm

    I have anxiety/depression and those tips you gave are worth trying. I exercise almost daily so that helps. I never tried baths or keeping a journal but they may be things to consider when things flare up.

    Reply
  33. Deborah Pucci says

    May 2, 2017 at 12:51 pm

    Great post, thank you.

    Reply
  34. Colleen Lanin says

    May 2, 2017 at 12:44 pm

    This is totally worth a bookmark. I find that if I have a nice workout, it can help regulate my mood.

    Reply
  35. Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says

    May 2, 2017 at 12:41 pm

    This is a great post. I think a gratitude journal is a fantastic idea! When we remember what we have to be thankful for, it brings things into perspective.

    Reply
  36. Jeanette says

    May 2, 2017 at 12:02 pm

    I am learning that exercise and relaxation are the best ways for me to get rid of my anxiety. I have been exercising pretty regularly and after certain hour I turn off the computer and just look at the fun stuff on the Internet on my phone.

    Reply
  37. maria closeothome says

    May 2, 2017 at 11:56 am

    I truly believe the phone and all the social media is causing more depression in younger kids. They value their self worth on number of likes it is pretty heart breaking

    Reply
  38. Heather says

    May 2, 2017 at 11:42 am

    I love my Netflix baths. I have a lot of anxiety that results in heart palpitations. It’s the worst.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

recipes in your inbox

Subscribe for the latest updates

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

.

The Latest

roasted red pepper soup in bowls

Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Potatoes

spicy lemon chicken with lemon sauce

Spicy Lemon Garlic Chicken

plate of black cherry rhubarb dump cake

Black Cherry Dump Cake with Rhubarb

chipped beef on toast

Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast

add dressing to BLT salad

BLT Pasta Salad Recipe (No Mayo)

stacked strawberry grilled cheese panini

Strawberry Grilled Cheese Paninis

Eat Move Make is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon properties including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com.

This means that some posts may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commission when you purchase through these links, which helps us create more great content! Full terms of use here.

Footer

Meet Liz

Hey there, i’m Liz!

I’m the founder of Eat Move Make and a North Carolina mom of two humans and six cats. I love to cook, bake, craft and travel. I’m also addicted to tea (but not sweet tea).

When I’m not creating something in my kitchen, and since my kids are now adults, I’m all about my bucket list of travel destinations and adventures.

recipes in your inbox

Subscribe for the latest updates

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

.
©2021, Eat Move Make / About / Terms Of Use / Privacy Policy / Site by Pixel Me Designs