Anxiety. I have struggled with it along the way. Maybe you have too. Numerous friends and acquaintances are struggling with it these days as pressures and responsibilities mount with limited resources available to assist their families or boost their businesses. Many are feeling paralyzed by their fear of the unknown.
If you are someone who is experiencing fear or anxiety, I want to share some of the things I have learned over the years to hopefully help you realize 1) you are not alone, 2) you are not weird, 3) anxiety is not your demise, nor is it your friend. But your life does not stop because of anxiety. You can push through it and move forward!
Here’s what I’ve learned:
Anxiety seems to hit you out of nowhere — when you finally have a moment to relax, ironically, or think you are totally fine. It feels like a shot of adrenaline has flooded your system, your heart nearly beating out of your chest, yet you feel weak. It can be very confusing and very scary. Though it feels like it’s come out of nowhere, I assure you it is coming from somewhere deep within.
During the day, on the go or in the hot seat before others, we often do what it takes to push through, portraying strength or stability. Yet, we often have emotions within the shuffle that we have stuffed down and ignored, taking no time to address.
As our bodies or minds begin to slow down, these emotions often surface, sending us into a tailspin. Perhaps you lay down only to find you are scared, shaky, your chest is tight or it’s hard to breath. In those moments, I have found it helpful to sit up and focus on two things on repeat:
1) Focus on Jesus. Imagining His eyes, we have a focal point for peace. Remembering He takes our yolk upon Him, we remember we aren’t alone.
2) Sitting up, focus on deep, cleansing breaths. It is not enough to tell yourself to “just breath” as you will freak yourself out more under pressure. Focus your mind, gently reminding yourself, “In through the nose (deep, cleansing, slow breaths), out through the mouth.”
3) Then think upon Jesus again. Ask Him to captivate your nervous system, to get your body in alignment with His word, and for the Holy Spirit to comfort you.
4) Focus on your breathing again… “In through the nose, out through the mouth.”
Later, perhaps another day that week, when you are calm, alone and able to sit down and reflect, pinpoint the things or people that trigger you to be anxious, angry, or to feel frustrated or invisible. Write out the factors that have a habit of riling you up, then come up with a plan to rewrite the script.
Come up with a plan to get power back in your life:
[After all, it’s your life!]
- Flip off that station: Quit watching the news or reality TV.
- Say no to the “friends” or family members who berate you.
- Walk away from people who step over your boundaries.
- Remove yourself from the situations that choke you.
- Practice saying, “no,” and mean it.
Anxiety comes from feeling powerless. Yet, you are actually a giant with every super power when you have God living inside of you, His hand of protection over you and His angels surrounding you. Get your power back by surrendering your situation and relationships to God.
- Ask God for His help to identify the problems making you feel oppressed.
- Ask Him for wisdom and guidance on how to move away from those situations.
- Ask Him for the grace and favor to do it.
Subtract chaos from your life. Infuse fun into your life! Add in joy-filled, faith-filled components:
- Get a hobby. Take up painting, try sewing or dust off your bike.
- Get healthy friends around you.
- Journal your emotions. Don’t stuff them.
- Go for a daily walk to increase endorphins, your “happy” chemicals.
- Treat yourself. [Just watch your caffeine and sugar intake as these can increase your anxiety if overdone.]
- Turn on upbeat music and dance or lip sync.
- Get in nature. The beauty of God’s creation reminds us of His power, and our bodies love the fresh air He provides.
Take time to care of yourself! No one spends more time with you than you do. Be a good friend and caretaker. You matter. And, remember: You are not alone. You are not weird. Focus on Jesus. And, when in doubt, tell a friend.
Sarah Guldalian 