5. Turn off the TV
When anxiety creeps in, it can be easy to resort to shutdown mode. Binge-watching shows on Netflix will never quiet an anxious mind, it will only neglect it. Turn off the TV and do something with yourself to combat the anxiety, not let it fester. You have little control over when and how it attacks, but the control you DO have should be used to your advantage.
6. Learn to say “no.”
A lot of people who suffer from anxiety are also terrible people pleasers. It isn’t surprising if you think about it, but knowing that your anxiety and pleasing people likely go hand-in-hand, it’s not a bad idea to guard yourself against the attacks. It can be hard to say “no,” but it’s important to remember that not everything is your job. Sure, it would be awesome if you could volunteer at the church this weekend, but if it means you’re compromising your mental health and overall well-being, then saying “yes” is really no help to anyone. Be strategic and protective over your recharge time, it’s one of your greatest defenses against an anxious mind.
7. Stash away the phone
Just like the television won’t quiet an anxious mind, neither will your cell phone. In fact, it’s probably making your circumstances worse. When anxiety creeps in one of the greatest things you can do is turn off your phone, and focus on yourself. There are more people today with anxiety and mental illnesses than ever before in history. I have no doubt there’s a correlation between that staggering statistic and the fact that every single person on the planet has a never-ending to-do list at their fingertips. Turn off the notifications, and focus on keeping your mind healthy.
8. Do nothing
Yep, you read that right. Sometimes the best way to quiet an anxious mind is to simply do nothing. This doesn’t mean sit in front of the TV and do nothing, or scroll through Facebook and do nothing. When your anxious mind takes over, stop what you’re doing, put everything down, turn everything off, and just BE. Do nothing. Sit in your chair, close your eyes, and simply exist. That’s it.
Anxiety comes in all shapes and sizes, and an anxious mind can be found in just about anyone. Don’t let it win the day. Fight back with these eight practices for quieting your anxious mind, and improve your mental health today!
