I’m not lazy. I’m just exhausted from fighting my way through every single day. – Mimi Love
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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! So, how is your summer going so far? I hope you enjoyed your 4th of July holiday with your family and friends. Unfortunately, I am exhausted some days from trying to be stronger than I feel. I even overthink my overthinking. Lately, I have been experiencing a high level of anxiety. I normally feel this way during holidays. Of course, this holiday was no different. I thought about my mom a lot.
Believe it or not, everyone experiences fear and anxiety from time to time. Anxiety disorders can develop after a person experience trauma in childhood or adulthood. However, coping with anxiety on a regular basis can be quite difficult at any age level. Did you know that anxiety is a healthy response to help you cope with real threats to your life and well-being? Yes, anxiety is supposed to be a quick response that will motivate you to take action, and then fade away so you can feel safe again.
SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY
Unfortunately, high levels of anxiety can cause various health conditions, such as:
• Panic attacks
• Depression
• Constant and excessive worrying
• Feeling exhausted and fatigue
• Increase stress
• Restlessness
• Insomnia and non-restorative sleep
• Irritability
• Lack of concentration
• Irrational fears and phobias
• Avoiding social situations
It’s important to analyze these symptoms very closely. If you feel the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with daily life activities and continues for at least 6 months, you may want to consider seeing a licensed health professional.
HOW ANXIETY MANIPULATES YOU
Many people deal with anxiety on so many levels, and in some cases, they deal with this condition alone. Unfortunately, anxiety often times manipulates you by showing the following:
• Self-doubt – Anxiety makes us question ourselves and our beliefs.
• Fear – Anxiety takes what is dear to you and makes you afraid of losing it.
• Worries – Anxiety can take a thought and turn it into excessive worries.
• Control – We don’t need our fears to manifest. Then, we strive to control everything.
Similar to the symptoms as noted above, it’s important to analyze how you’re feeling and request help from a licensed health professional so you can cope with life better.
WAYS TO REDUCE ANXIETY
Here’s some ways to reduce anxiety:
• Eating a healthy diet
• Limiting caffeine
• Abstaining from drinking alcohol
• Quitting smoking
• Exercising often
• Trying medication to calm you
• Practicing yoga routines
POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS
Never have I dealt with anything more difficult than my own soul. – Unknown Author
I don’t think people realize how much strength it takes to pull your own self out of an anxiety attack. So, if you’ve done that today or any day, I’m proud of you. Repeat these positive affirmations daily as you look into a mirror:
• I am beautiful, flaws and all.
• I am worthy of my dreams.
• I am strong and I have a purpose.
• I am my own hero.
• I am worthy of real love and affection.
As you speak into your life using positive affirmations, you must believe the words in your heart. I don’t know about you, but I deserve to hold my head up high throughout my journey. As you can see, my self-worth isn’t determined by others, but it comes from within. Now, I hope you feel the same.
JOURNAL PROMPTS & WRITING EXERCISES
Anxiety isn’t something that goes away; it’s something you learn to control. – Unknown Author
Now, it is time to put your journaling efforts to work. Put all previous mistakes and misfortunes behind you so you’re moving forward with a clear mind. Believe in yourself and stand in your new experience. After a while this new experience and lifestyle will become priority. Nothing else will matter.
Here’s some thought-provoking journal prompts that I want you to focus on:
• Do you suffer from anxiety? If so, how do you work through it.
• What are some of life challenges that increase your anxiety?
• What are some of your fears or phobias?
• How do you plan to overcome your fears or phobias?
• What are your strengths?
• What are your weaknesses?
• Write a letter to someone and never send it.
• Interview your past & future self by asking questions that you need answers to.
• Use colorful markers or pens to write out all the things that make you happy.
TIME TO SHARE & COMMENT
If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place. – Unknown Author
Let’s talk. Journaling through anxiety takes hard work and commitment. Whether it is alone time, reading a good book, or binge-watching your favorite show, what does your mind really need? Please share your answer in the comment section.
Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!
Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).
Copyright © 2019 – Renew Inspiration – All Rights Reserved
I love your positive writing. I’m suffering from depression. Writing Poetry helps me with my journey. Thank you for your friendship. ❤️✌️
Teresa, I was not aware that you are suffering from depression. No wonder we get along so well. (SMILE). I appreciate you and your poetry. Thanks so much for your on-going support. Peace and blessings!
I find that writing in my journal helps me put my negative thoughts that i tend to have because of my depression can be flipped to positive thinking.. I also do art journals which always helps me get in touch with my inner child as we doodle.. no right or wrong ..just fun to be free to be me
Judith, thanks so much for reading and commenting today. I’ve never tried to do art journaling because I prefer to write instead of draw. I just love the flexibility with journaling. Happy writing and drawing!
Darn! I wrote a comment, Latisha, and this site erased it because I didn’t enter my name & email. What the heck?!
Well, anyways, when I get anxious I have found the using my Gratitude journal helps. And turning my troubles over to God brings me some peace of mind.
Thanks for the nice blog, Latisha 😀
Sue
Sue, I am so sorry for your previous comment being erased. I appreciate you re-writing your comment. I appreciate your on-going support.
Writing is such a big help to me when I am working through sudden anxiety. I find I can express myself better through words and it helps to pour out feelings to a page without having to feel guilty or ashamed.
Sometimes something beautiful comes out and I am glad you have found a way to help yourself!
Jaya, I agree with you – Writing helps to calm my nerves and give me peace. Thanks for your kind comment.
I didn’t realize until I began doing mindfulness exercises on headspace how much anxiety I was dealing with. I love all of your tips on here. It helped give me clarity on how to help myself.
Courtney, sometimes it helps just knowing that we are not alone. Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment.
Anxiety has been part of mine as a kid. As an empath, it’s worse when I am with controlling individuals…
What are some of things you do to keep your anxiety under control? Just curious.
I have been writing in a nightly journal for a few months and that has been helping my anxiety a lot. I really like your blog, thanks.
Summer, writing in a journal helps so many things inside our minds and bodies. Keep writing and keep believing that change is coming!
Great post. I suffer from anxiety, and I appreciate your positivity here! I’m interested in trying some of these products!
Sarah, I am so excited that you’re interested in some of the products listed in my blog post. Please let me know what you chose and how it helped you.
Great post with a positive guide to help others deal with some pretty difficult feelings. There really is no place darker than a self-doubting mind. I am the type who will have complete conversations in my head, most are not the positive ones. Journalling helps me get those thoughts out into the light and shine some sunshine into my darkened mind. Thank you for your tips!
Tammy, I appreciate your comment and support throughout our blogging journey!
Great post! I suffer with anxiety and often suffer with panic attacks, I definitely over worry myself and over think way too much – which can often lead to my panic attacks. Thank you for writing this post, it’s helpful to read about and knowing what can help is great. I actually had a pretty bad day yesterday with it, but tried to wake up today with a positive mindset.
Chloe xx
http://www.chloechats.com
Chloe, you are not alone my friend. What I find very interesting, is that there are many people just like you and I going through this alone. More importantly, no two people handle anxiety the same. Keep waking up each day with a positive mindset knowing that you are very special and unique. Peace and blessings!
Excellent post. Anxiety is such a debilitating emotion for a lot of people. I have people in my family who struggle with it, I will pass your post to some of them. Thanks for sharing.
Loren, thanks so much for sharing my post. I truly appreciate you!
Journaling definitely helps to process those stressful or obsessive thoughts in your head. It’s something I like to do at least every few weeks before bed, and it helps me to sleep better and recharge so that I can face the next round of events and feelings.
Laura, journaling helps your mind, body and spirit in ways that I cannot believe. As you concentrate on writing, everything that you are going through flows from inside of you out on to the pages of your journal. It can be a life changing process for some people. Continue to write in your journal and watch your life become better. Happy Journaling!
Nice post! I am very familiar with what it’s like to deal with anxiety and panic attacks. It was a huge part of my life all the way through my 20s. My coping strategy for that time was avoidance, which was ineffective;, especially in the long term. You do a great job of providing people with strategies to cope with their anxiety and offer a way forward for them. I definitely relate to the exhaustion that comes from dealing with anxiety on a daily basis. The good news is that there are ways to move beyond its debiliating impact. Therapy, time, and meditation worked for me, but I suppose everyone’s path is unique.
Thank you for sharing.
Roger
Roger, welcome to Renew Inspiration! I am honored to have you not only read my blog, but also post a very uplifting comment. I find it is always helpful to read about other people going through the same kind of experiences so we can learn better coping methods. I hope you continue to stay in touch and provide your insight so others may be blessed.
Thank you for your openness… Anxiety affects so many of us, but most of us think we have to suffer alone! Yogic breathing, especially left-nostril breathing, is my go-to. In as little as 3 minutes (or sometimes even less) of focused breathing you can get considerable relief from your symptoms. Feel better soon!
Thanks so much for your breathing suggestion!