How do you deal with anxiety?

Hey @MintyMary 🙂

When I get really stressed, I try to distract myself for a bit to move out of the space of feeling overwhelmed and just feeling frazzled/like a mess.

Some things that help me:

- writing a list of what has to be done like @T4ils said. Writing it down moves it onto paper and clears my mind as I don't have to constantly try to remember the things I have to do

- writing in a journal about how things are going (really helps when there's no one around to talk to)

- yoga (highly recommend Yoga with Adrienne's videos - i always feel calm by the end of the video)

- watching an episode of 'friends' (don't have to think too much and sometimes just need a laugh)

Taking a break from the work helps me sort of rejuvenate and get back into it with a clearer mind so that i'm more efficient/productive. The good thing about writing a to do list is that during the break you don't have to think about all the things to do since they're written down, and when you've finished the break, you can come back to the list and clearly see what can be done next!

Hey @MintyMary,

As loves netball said.. (tag isn't working for some reason) this stuff is trial and error! Some things may not work for you and some things may be great..

I personally go to the gym.. at times it makes me feel more pressured but I get to be in my own little bubble and work out which is something I enjoy! I try to even fit in a small session because it really lifts my food.

Particularly with studying.. I make a list or a plan and I try to make it as realistic as possible. I really love a sense of achievement and ticking off things.. so I use the list to keep me focused and motivated. Having a plan makes me feel more relaxed because it shows me exactly what I can achieve ☺

Hey @MintyMary (gosh, that's a cool name),

Gosh....the stress just keeps mounting with all the study, doesn't it? If you have some time, you can take a read of this discussion here. Basically, a bunch of us talked about study methods and juggling what we go through during study and looking after ourselves as well during study. Or just skip to the end where there's a very nice brief summary of the discussion.

There's also pages on tips here if you want. I definitely recommend the awesomely cool thread here, which is worth a read because it's a great collection of secrets (and hopefully a laugh too, some are very funny :)).

Personally, I've found that going for a walk amongst the trees incredibly calming. Or even just sitting underneath one and watching the skies and clouds. Even just watching the stars at night makes me feel good. What are some strategies you've tried?

Hey @MintyMary I'll give you a list of things that help me when I get super anxious and you can see if any of them are right for you 🙂

-running/ bike riding (these were my major forms of exercise throughout high school and really help when I was stressed, obviously you can choose your own form of exercise)

-putty or play doh - can be fun to play with and I find it good to go something with my hands

-colouring in - good study break 🙂

-baking because everyone wants sugar when they're studying 😉

-hug a teddy or a pet

-progessive muscle relaxation (the internet can take you through how to do it)

You also might be someone who finds deep breathing helpful - and there are some apps to help with this stuff, like the breathe app or smiling mind app

Hope this kind of helps 🙂