What's in your toolbox?

[Meeasy]

At the lowest points it's difficult to generate motivation but sometimes we have to give ourselves the best possible chance for recovery by making lifestyle changes and working on things we can control.

Often times we un consciously do things that work against us and sabotage recovery.

These are some of the tools I use. These are suggestions that work for me. Your results may vary but there are no negative side effects Only positive side effects Take what u like, leave the rest

- excercise releases your brains natural anti anxiety/ depessant chemicals. Rigorous enough to get to heavy breathing and blood flow. It can be as simple as jogging in place or climbing stairs

- diet changes. Caffeine and sugar are fuel for anxiety. Processed foods, greasy foods, fried foods and artificial sweeteners work against you. A clean diet can do wonders .

- avoid alcohol, it's a depressant.

- meditation , I use podcasts and YouTube videos to find guided meditations, self hypnosis and inspirational, self affirmation and acceptance. Use the search bar. Get a podcast app

- stay connected, don't isolate. Find forums like this one, recovery programs, church, etc to express your feeling and get feedback

- social connection - Create a free profile at Meetup.com and attend meet ups with others who share similar hobbies and interests.

-Volunteer or support or encourage others is a good practice. doing things for others gets you out of ruminating about yourself. "Don't think less of yourself, think of yourself less"

- attitude of gratitude. As hard as it is, it could always be worse. I make gratitude list to remind myself of my blessings.

- write it down. Keep a journal, dig deep. Write letters to yourself, to god, your resentments, your fears, your inner child etc. be your own therapist. It's cheap

-Acceptance. Sometimes obsessing over anxiety can lead to more anxiety. Try not to try too hard. Google acceptance therapy (ACT ) for anxiety.

- professional therapy or counceling. Although it's cost prohibitive, sometimes it takes a professional to dig up the right questions.

-Avoid news, politics, and all forms of advertisements. They all use fear to control your emotions to generate a reaction.

-Avoid social media. Don't fall into the trap of comparing your insides with other people's outsides.

-Try natural supplements. Use google for tips. I have not received dramatic results but I know people who have.

These tips have no negative side effects. They are worth a try before resorting to drastic measures.

Good luck ✌️

PS- I watch this video when I need inspiration

youtu.be/xKJxxq74c-8(Not working as expected?)

[Nicki1984]

Great tips I also find reading, aromatherapy and massage helpful. Breathing exercises (meditation) and Epsom salt baths. Depending on your issues it's helpful to detach from people and situations especially the negative ones but mainly to be self reliant and avoid negativity. X

[sandii100]

Sometimes, exercise causes my anxiety and I've found that yoga doesn't really help me. I wish it did....

[philly101]

These are great tips. I do 90% of the things you listed and it has helped me tremendously. Staying active, exercising, eating healthy, using natural supplements etc. I do sometimes drink socially, but it has made my anxiety worse so now I am going to try and stay away from alcohol. All in all, great tips.

[Meeasy]

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