This post is all about self help for anxiety management.
We’re lucky to live in a time where managing anxiety has become easier and easier. It’s also overwhelming and difficult to know what resources are worth it. Even though there’s no harm done by reading an extra book that doesn’t help you that much, it takes time.
Maybe you want to start figuring out to manage your anxiety or you already are. You’ve probably been struggling with this for a while and you’re ready for something better. Read through these options for your “something better.”
This post is all about self help for anxiety management.
SELF HELP FOR ANXIETY MANAGEMENT:
1. Crafting the perfect escape for you
You’re in the middle of your self-help journey and you need a retreat. Look no further than the one you’re about to build for yourself.
This retreat can include anything that will make you feel better when you’re feeling activated, anxious, or stressed out. Candles set the mood and allow you to turn off the lights if you so choose. They can also smell calming and add to the overall relaxation effect.
You can even opt for battery-operated candles if you’re wanting to avoid the drama that can come with having a live fire in your vicinity.
The next step for your escape is a yoga mat. If you don’t have a yoga mat and don’t want to pay for one, then find a pillow and carpet or rug. You want your lower body to be comfortable so you can focus on your upper body—your mind and breathing.
Wall decor comes next and tapestries are the perfect way to add some color and interest to your likely boring wall. Not into tapestries? Try out this unique wall light that provides you with romantic lighting while also giving you something fun to look at inside your room.
Lastly, get that plant. Get all the plants. Never underestimate the power of caring for a living being other than yourself—but also prepare yourself for the possibility of killing the plant…
Plants add life to your room, as silly as it sounds. Also, try not to get a succulent for your mental health plant because they are literally the easiest plant to kill.
2. Making a bed comfy enough to help shut your mind off
Napping can be so satisfying. It’s even more satisfying when you can curl up in a warm, plush duvet that basically feels like a cloud. What makes that even better? A hot mug of cider that will warm you up from the inside out (and, yes, cider is the superior hot beverage).
No duvet is going to shut off your anxiety because there isn’t much that can do that aside from doomscrolling. And, let’s be honest, pretty much will increase your anxiety. Duvets can certainly help, though, and so can creating a bedroom that makes you want to unwind.
That’s why you want to give yourself a bedroom oasis. Starting with a cloud-like duvet that feels like fluffy, warm air all around you. Add a cute mug to make you feel like there’s literally nothing better than the moment you’re sipping out of it.
Then, you’ll well on your way to making your bedroom your favorite place. (You could even try out a weighted blanket for ultimate anxiety relief.)
Pair this with a journal that gets your feelings out of your head and onto paper. Be careful, though. When it comes to getting a cute duvet, mug, or journal, it’s easy to feel like you need to find the perfect option or aesthetic to complete the look.
All you need for your bedroom oasis is what makes you feel comfy and warm. And maybe a cute lamp that gives you the perfect introspective lighting.
3. Curating the most inviting reading nook
Your reading nook can be an actual nook or a cute desk or even your favorite chair. If you’re looking to build the ultimate “fill my brain with book words instead of thoughts” place, then you’ll want to start with a good chair.
Go with either a desk vibe or lounge vibe and get a chair that fits it. We love an office chair that fits us as much as love a cute, comfy, and possibly foldy chair.
Combine that with the fluffiest blanket and step up your chair game. The best part about getting wrapped up in a blanket while you’re sitting in a chair, office or lounge, is you’re comforted while diving into your next favorite book.
That brings us to the last ingredient for making your reading nook as inviting as possible: a good book. Or it could be a book you want to read, put down after a few pages, and pick up another.
And, by book, I mean that self-improvement, personal growth book you can’t wait to read. Check it out from your local library, check out Libby, or get one from a bookstore near you. This post is all about self help for anxiety management, and we don’t want to lose sight of that.
Try books out, learn about yourself, and maybe even bring a journal along for the ride so you can really dig into your self help journey.
4. Setting up your reset in the bathtub
Now, we’ve gotten to the ultimate getaway. This is probably what you think of when you’re told to picture “relaxation” or “self-care.” There’s good reason for that.
Taking a bath can relax you, focus you on your own pleasure in a way that few other activities can, and give you the unique chance to take some much-needed alone time.
This starts with a bath tub—no problem if you don’t have one because we got you covered. Once you’ve checked that box with the one you’ve bought or already have in your house, you can move on to the fun stuff.
This is the stuff that makes your bath smell great, feel great, and really get into that “give me this everyday” mode. Taking baths is the best way to carve time out of your day and that means a heck of a lot.
Now, let’s get to the actual bath, and let’s start with the bubbles. You’ll want to get a bath bomb that makes your bath smell and look good—though these tend to be more of a cleanup. Check out bath salts for less of a cleanup.
On top of that, you can get some incense, a body scrub, a face mask, and any other ~luxurious items~ that send you to your happy place.
Finish it off with a bathtub caddy to put your phone, book, iPad, a glass of wine, or a mug of tea. Add anything else you want to complete this as the way to get out of your head and into some skin-tingling hot water.
5. Building your very own, one-of-a-kind pillow fort
At some point, we’ve all gotten jealous of the way a caterpillar holes up in a cocoon and gets comfy enough in it to emerge completely different.
When we’re resting, we should never put pressure on ourselves to change or transform like a caterpillar, but we can still appreciate the feeling of being tight and wrapped up.
That’s why you need a pillow fort, complete with all of the comfort you need in your tiny square foot or two of space. Pillow forts give you the chance to treat your inner child to an unconventional night while feeling on caterpillar-cocoony.
You’re welcome to bring anything that’s going to make this night as fun as you could possibly want. That might be a laptop, phone, or tablet so you can watch a show or movie. Or maybe you want to go with a book and an amazing playlist.
When it comes to the pillow fort, you’ll want to start with lots of pillows. Your new floor will be lots of blankets and pillows—for this moment, the ground no longer exists and the world is soft.
Then, you’ve got to bring in all of the supplies you’ll need for the rest of the night because you’re going to revel in your cocoon. You’re also definitely allowed to sleep the night away in your pillow fort because it’s all designed to take a breath during your self help journey.
If you’re wanting to stay away and enjoy your time, take your time in the pillow fort to bring a book, maybe some light if the TV isn’t going to be within view, and snacks. Think of any comfort food from apples to bananas to your favorite chip.