7 Quick Fixes When You're Feeling Anxious

by Selena Sherwood

If you're having a rough day or just feeling a bit on the edge you've come to the right place! Here some methods I use to calm those nerves on high anxiety days, from things you can don't the go to some rainy day activities when you need something to keep busy!

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1) Talk it out with a friend (furry ones included!)
Having a nice talk about whatever's on your mind can sometimes be the perfect way to let out all that pent-up stress, but what do you do when no ones around? Well, according to Help Guide, simply having a cat or dog around improves mood. Not only that, but dogs can gauge their owner's mood just by looking in their eyes and will strive to improve an unhappy owners mood.

2) Work on a hobby
Things like drawing, writing, and much more are common methods of coping with all kinds of stress, helping you sort out your emotions and giving you a good outlet to express it!

3) Make yourself a playlist
One of my personal favorite ways of calming down is just laying down and listening to some of my favorite artists. Take some time to sit down find the music that calms you down when anxiety strikes all you have to do is pop your headphones in and press shuffle!

4) Go on a short walk
When you're feeling blue, going out could be just what you need to get mood-improving chemicals pumping through your body! Studies have shown walking just an extra 30 minutes every week can bring up your overall mood.

5) Have some designated "worry time"
I have to admit when I sat down with my therapist I was quite surprised when she suggested this one but hear me out. Setting up an allotted amount of time, like 5 or 10 minutes, to just sit and worry about everything in your mind really forces you to evaluate what's really worth being stressed about.
 
6) Take a hot bath
Studies have shown that taking a hot bath can lessen anxiety, feelings of loneliness, and isolation so grab some bubble bath and your favorite essential oils and bath salts, jump in the tub and let the stress melt away! 

7) Color a picture
With new coloring books targeting older audiences on shelves of nearly every supermarket and craft store, there's bound to be one out there for you! Filled with fun and complex designs themed for just about everything coloring books are a cheap, easy, and portable way to keep yourself entertained for hours.