Black Ink and Parchment

My anxiety remains a shadow following me, always there even when there isn’t any light. I think we all experience it more than we would care to admit. Dealing with anxiety is a never-ending battle, so I am offering you some methods that work for me. This is not a replacement for your medication or medical doctor’s advice. It is just a series of activities that I do that help me on the days when anxiety clouds my mind.

1. Doodle or Color. There are plenty of downloadable coloring pages, and plenty of beautiful coloring books, nothing like the ones we had growing up. Pick one that speaks to you and go for it. Go back to childhood when things were so much simpler.
2. Write Micro-Poetry. Write a three to six line poem about what is weighing on you. Write them in a special notebook. Keep them just for yourself or share them. There is something powerful about taking control of your emotions.
3. Knitting or crochet. Focus on repetitive patterns and textures. It takes your mind off things, and you can create something really beautiful.
4. Make a list and check things off as you finish them. (even if it is just simple things, like getting out of bed).
5.  Plan your weekly meals. Knowing exactly what you are going to make for supper takes so much pressure off you. Even put the meal in microwaveable dishes and just pop it in when you get home. No pots and pans, no plates. Or have a ‘fend for yourself’ night. I put so much pressure on myself to cook every night, and I know it is ridiculous, but taking a night off from cooking and cleaning might help you reset.
6. Try some freewriting. Write rapidly for 5 minutes about scattered thoughts. Just let it all out. Don’t worry about grammar or horrible words. Write it out as it comes.
7. Or write a letter. Write a letter to someone who is causing you distress, then burn it or throw it away.
8. Watch YouTube Aesthetic videos. Watch the rain fall, sit in a Victorian library, or even sail on a ship for a few minutes. You can even look up historical periods and take yourself far away from the current moment. Get away from doomscrolling and Netflix. Let your mind decompress.  
9. Try Yoga. I am not into exercise, but I love yoga. You can find plenty of free videos online or just lie flat on the ground and stare at the ceiling for a while. Most instructors have soothing voices and will lull you into a relaxed state.
10.  Light a candle or use a diffuser to change the vibe. I love vanilla, but there are so many smells that could bring you a sense of calm, just find the one that works for you.
11. Drink hot tea and curl up in a blanket. Sheldon Cooper was right. There is comfort in a hot beverage. Allow the heat to chase away the darkness for ten minutes. Don’t do anything else, but focus on your drink and settle your mind.
12. Organize your life. But there is a trick to it. Only pick one corner, one drawer, and purge it. Keep it small, but if you go for an entire room all at once, you might get overwhelmed. If you can’t finish, then it would be worse than before. Just one little area is doable and you will feel accomplished.

You can lessen your anxiety so it doesn’t haunt you as much. It will stay, but self-care will make it less intimidating.  Take care of yourself. No matter what that looks like.