I wanted to share with you a list of exercises that are useful when you start to worry or ruminate, have anxiety about a specific memory/event or even generalized anxiety during your day. I have found it really helpful to have a list of activities that will help me. These are things that will let your right brain take over for a bit and let your left brain take a break from fretting.
I actually have little stations around my house that support these creative exercises so they are easily accessible. I have been told that binging a Netflix show does not count, sadly.
My go-tos are painting, reading, meditating, embroidery, puzzling, lots of tea and lots of cats…or a very, very fluffy dog.
I am working on making my own embroidery design, but it’s a bit harder than I imagined.
If nothing is working for you to calm down your anxious mind, try one of these things. You don’t even have to leave your house!
Thanks for this post! I like the ideas on your list and will remind myself to use some of those strategies when I’m feeling anxious.
Oh, what a sweet doggie! Is he/she a Goldendoodle or Labradoodle? I had a dearly loved black Labradoodle named Tavi for just shy of ten years. He developed inoperable cancerous tumors and last Feb. I had to have him euthanized. He was such a love and we were best buddies. I miss him so, so much. And your kitty is so cute, too. I had black kitties when I was a child and have always had a special place in my heart for them.
Your list of activities for dealing with anxiety is a good one. I love doing crossword puzzles when I am feeling unfocused and antsy. Also love jigsaw puzzles but don’t have a good place to do them right now. Another calming thing to do (in warm weather) is to sit outside and put your bare feet on the ground, like in the grass. Or on cement like a driveway or sidewalk. It will help you ground your energies and promote calmness.
I love your little cow painting. I have a little collection of cows, both painted and sculpted ones. Can you tell I grew up on a farm? Anyway, thanks for an interesting and helpful post, Christen. I enjoyed reading it.
I too am painting! Watercolor class and signed up for another 4 weeks, absolutely love it and just being in the room with these ladies and gents…wonderful. Keep on keeping on…these are the good ways to relax, so many other ways are tempting to some but I choose healthy outlets too.