Survive and Learn to Thrive from Stress

When I was 16, I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. It explained a great deal of behaviors that I exhibited on an everyday basis. From biting the inside of my cheek when I was nervous to organizing and redecorating my room every time I was a little too stressed, everything began to make sense.

Over the years, I adopted unhealthy coping habits that eventually turned into healthy ones. Below, they’re separated into tiers. Tier one is the most basic list of things to help you combat stress. Tier two is more actionable, and require you to do things. Tier three is work. These tactics do not help overnight, and they require a bit of effort on your end.

Tier 1

Google Calendar - If you know me, you know I live and breathe this bad boy. Color code your obligations, and watch your stress alleviate weekly. If seeing your obligations in advance stress you out, view the calendar on a 3-day mode. Here’s a guide to help you get started: https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/google-calendar-tips

Scented candles - My personal favorite is a vanilla rose Aromatherapy candle from Bath & Body Works. The scent is relaxing, and it helps me unwind. Light your candle in your dark room under a heavy blanket and focus on the smell. Buy here: https://bit.ly/2MQ36VZ

Heavy blankets - No, it’s NOT a trend! Heavy blankets are known for alleviating anxiety. Whether you buy an actual Gravity blanket, an affordable weighted blanket from Amazon (https://amzn.to/2oG5Sop), or just throw 5 blankets on you like me, these puppies can alleviate a lot of your stress.

Tier 2

Organize and/or redecorate your room - Recently, I redecorated my room every day for a week to combat stress. I understand the idea of organizing can overwhelm some people, so feel free to skip it. But part of my anxiety stems from being unable to control things, so organizing my room is a small way to demonstrate that I have control over other things, so it helps me a lot. Start with the walls and move on to your drawers.

Keep a journal - I don’t have a journal anymore, but when I did it contained a daily summary of the day’s events, as well as anything that stressed me out regularly. It was with my journal that I realized a lot of people were causing me stress, so it helped me make an action plan of how to deal with it.

Create a YOU playlist - My playlist is called, “Your Truest Self,” and it contains mainly Spanish music that reminds me of who I am. It’s my feel-good, somewhat sappy, and definitely 100% Grace certified playlist that brings me back to who I truly am (breathin' by Ariana Grande is a solid anxiety song). When you’re stressed, sometimes you need a reminder of who you are.

Inspiration board - Whether you take the time to go through magazines to cut things out or make a Pinterest board, have an inspiration board. Why are you putting yourself through the stress of school or work or your other countless obligations? If it’s to afford a house on the beach, throw an image of a Hamptons beach house onto your board. If it’s to give your future Australian Shepherd the backyard he deserves, give the pup a place on your board. Remember the end goals.

Yes, the pup is on my board

Tier 3

Discover your alcohol of choice - What a change of pace! I will say, this is obviously for the 21+ audience, but nothing made me happier than figuring out what to order at a bar (usually a Long Island Iced Tea, because why else would I drag my anxious self out to a bar if it wasn’t to DRINK). When faced with social situations, the new drink was a conversation starter and a fun way to keep myself calm if I was uncomfortable. Doing this when I turned 21 gave me something to look forward to, so I encourage you to find that special someDRINK and thrive in new social situations!

Work out - I know, I know, you non-believers. When I started running, I thought runner’s high was a lie, until I actually experienced it. When you exercise, your brain releases chemicals like serotonin, endorphins and yep, dopamine. So throw some workout clothes on and relieve stress while doing something good for you. Start with some sit-ups, jogging in place, or a brisk walk around the neighborhood.

Talk to a trusted pal or counselor - First of all, I hated seeing counselors for my anxiety and eventually eating disorder. But talking about the many deadlines, always-there stress, and overall looming feeling of not doing enough actually helped me realize the things that mattered and the things that didn’t. Talking to my friends was a good reality check of being told that some things were just not worth my time. Talking to someone, or a few trusted confidants helps.

Find your hobby, and don’t tarnish its sanctity - I used to schedule times that I would read. Then I’d get really busy or overwhelmed with work and reading became something of a chore. I began to dread the 9pm alarm that would go off, and the once-fun hobby turned into a scowl hour. Don’t schedule your hobbies. Make them your reward. I just started painting again (something I wish I never stopped), and having time at the end of a very long day has become a huge escape from my stress. Don’t do other things when you find your hobby. Make it the focal point of your attention; distractions tarnish the value of this stress-free time!

These are, again, just a few ways to combat stress. Everyone is different, so the list isn’t exhaustive (most of these lists aren’t). If the stress and anxiety is crippling enough to keep you from participating in day-to-day activities, it may be time to chat with someone about your symptoms: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/anxiety-disorder-symptoms.

S/O to Lin for the post inspiration!