Let’s talk about what it is like living with anxiety. Lots of us moms are living with all kinds of anxiety. And it is super hard a lot of times. I deal with anxiety, and it makes me super anxious to even type that or to even write this post. I have what I like to call “high-functioning anxiety.” This is because basically I live pretty much okay without anxiety crippling me. I have just learned how to deal with my anxious moments in a few ways that I am going to pass on to you.
1.Stay Organized
For me, if I am not organized then I get super anxious. That is why I have 3 planners. And I use google calendar on my phone. I use these things so that I feel like I am in control. I put everything on them including all dentist appointments, all practices my kids have, and any appointments I have. Actually, I even set a reminder on my google calendar to take out the trash. When I say I put everything on there, I mean everything! If I don’t have everything written down, then there is a chance I will forget it. And if I forget something, I get anxiety.
Sometimes, I forget something. Like I forgot my son’s dentist appointment one time. And I was so anxious about it and so embarrassed. But please just remember, even though you are trying to stay organized. And it is actually helping our anxiety, all busy moms forget something every once in awhile. So do not let it increase your anxiety!
2.Have a To-Do List
Along with the staying organized when living with anxiety, I always have a to-do list going where I write everything down I need to do. And that means everything. I write on my to-do list if I have to put a can in recycling or if I have to move the laundry from the washer to the dryer. I also, of course, put the big things on there, like, having to write a blog post or cleaning the bathrooms. But it is so satisfying to cross things off as I get them done, no matter how big or how small. If I don’t jot down everything I need to do, then I start getting anxious about everything I need to do.I use these to-do list notes because they are cute, but you can use any piece of paper.
I like to write everything on a piece of paper. But this could easily be done on your phone if that is easier for you. I use the Cozi app to keep all my lists that I do keep on my phone. Such as my grocery list. Go here to read up on the app.
3. Don’t do Something that will Cause Anxiety
This might sound dumb, but I have had anxiety for most of my life, and I know the specific situations that cause it. Like anything that is going to have a big crowd or anywhere where there will be lots of traffic. So I try to stay away from these situations. It is important to know your your triggers. Because when you have anxiety for a long time, you learn your own triggers.
Of course, if it is something for my boys then I am there no matter what. I go to all their concerts and sports events. But if it is something that I know is going to make me really anxious then I do not go. Some people that don’t have anxiety don’t understand and feel that I am missing out. But for me, it is helping me stay healthy. I have never felt like I am missing anything because I like keeping my sanity. Do what YOU have to do to stay healthy, whether other people understand or not.
4. Exercise
So my form of exercise is running. I would run every single day if I could. Unfortunately, my work schedule does not allow this. But when I do run, it makes the rest of my day and week go more smoothly. This is because I am not as keyed up and anxious. Sometimes I just need to get out and do something physical to calm myself down. If I physiologically change my body, then it can also change my mind and calm down the anxious. Making it easier to live with anxiety (and depression if you have that also!).
Now, many moms will say they don’t have time to exercise, but you have to find the time for your overall well-being. Also, a new tip that I have just discovered, while I am running I listen to podcasts that I have on my to-do list to listen to. So I get two things done at once. I listen to a network marketing and sales podcasts since I sell essential oils, but you can listen to whatever is on YOUR to-do list. Just pick an exercise that makes you feel better about yourself, does not have to be running.
5.Take Action
So this goes with the to-do list, but basically the best way I have found to deal with my anxiety is to take action. If I am anxious and overwhelmed, I figure out what is causing the anxiety and take care of it. Maybe I am feeling overwhelmed because I have so many things to do, well take action and get them done.
Or maybe I am anxious because there are so many obstacles to my goals. I can either sit and dwell on those obstacles, and become more anxious. Or I can knock them out and reach those goals. Otherwise the anxiety grows and I start having anxiety about that anxiety. So just jump and take action!
What Else…
Living with anxiety is not for the faint of heart. It is something that I deal with every single day. If you also live with anxiety I hope that some of these simple tips will help you. Also, I use lots of essential oils to help keep my anxiety under control. To check out those essential oils I use, go here to this post. 
Vanessa is a Doctor of Pharmacy who champions natural health. She lives with her husband of 18 years as well as her 12 & 15 year old sons. She aspires to encourage moms on their journey to family wellness through holistic health and essential oils.
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