Things to do when you are anxious.

Sometimes it all feels a bit overwhelming, sometimes it feels like there is too much to do. Sometimes you can hear your heart beating in your chest, you can feel the knot in your stomach, the weight on your shoulders. 

When I feel like this I can't get anything done, I sit there worrying, sometimes subconsciously biting my nails, knowing that I should be doing something but I just can't. 

A few months ago I made a list in my bullet journal of things I can do when I feel like this, something to give my mind a rest and calm me down. Today I want to share it with you. 

Deep Breaths

Breath in for 4, hold for 2, out for 6. Or if this doesn't work, I lie on the floor with my hands on my stomach, fill it with air and then let it all out again. 

This breathing is great when you are trying to calm down, especially at night. 

Make a list

I you are feeling overwhelmed, make a priority list. Working out what you have to do can make it clearer in your mind

Colour in

Sometimes you just need a break, I use my colouring book and pencils to wind down. Just half an hour can make me feel much better. 

Read

Read a super easy book, or something you have read before. Something to give your mind some time to just not do a whole lot. 

Do something you enjoy

For me, it's editing or taking photos. This really helps calm me and it makes me really happy when I edit a photo that I really like. 

Do something methodical

I find that if I am overwhelmed, doing something with clear steps really helps. Sometimes I will bake something, sometimes do some maths. Anything that has clear steps and tells me exactly what to do calms me. 

What works for you?

xxxPoppy