Photography: Coco Michelle
Ever since the start of my high school years, I began to embark on this unsettling feeling I just couldn't get away from and something I had yet to understand at the time. Imagine feeling like you were drowning - that feeling of not being able to breathe, having every possible thought emerge you. That's probably the best metaphor I can use to describe what my body and mind feels at times- still till this day.
I have openly discussed about my anxiety on my platforms because it sure does always seem to help by talking. Also, when I opened up about my anxiety struggles I realized SO many people go through this on a daily basis and I also realized I helped many by coming clean about it. Being open led me to wanting to create this post in which I wanted to share ways I have learned how to deal with my anxiety and certain things that I like to do when I feel the anxiety is heightened.
We live in such a hard time where the pressure to be a certain way, look a specific way, and believe in a certain trends can get to you and if you're not "on" 24/7 there's "something wrong with you" - I've heard it all. Sometimes, it's like a whirlwind that circles you at 100mph and just won't stop. I've had days where I'll wake up and not leave my room the entire day because of the toll the anxiety has taken on my body and crying it out is the only remedy (which really helps me detox, I must say). People have this misconception about anxiety where they believe it's all mental - it's not! On my hardest days, my body will weigh on me and my bones will ache like if I had gotten hit like a punching bag. But, guess what... you can never let your self be the punching bag. Although I still struggle today (and probably will continue to struggle with this for the rest of my life) I've learned to be my own warrior against anxiety. Instead of taking the punches, I must the be one dodging them.
I've been asked endless of times; why I have anxiety? or if there is any back story to my anxiety? Till this day I cannot answer those questions. No one is perfect, and no one leads a perfect life, but I will admit in my 24 years of age - I have had a pretty outstanding life. I have been very fortunate to have a support system that will never let me trip and fall. I truly believe anxiety can take on many forms and isn't always caused by a certain situation or based off a life backstory.
Even though anxiety is something you (yourself) must learn how to control and manage, there are certain things I like doing that really help me on those tough days.
Sometimes I need to remind myself to breathe & believe that God doesn't give you nothing you can't handle. There are some daily devotionals I like reading right off my phone every morning before getting my day started. I also love the app 'Headspace' for meditation (it's a guided audio - which I like to listen to before going to bed). Positive affirmations are a must as well - as dumb as it sounds, telling your self in your mind that everything will be OKAY really helps. Remember to take one day at a time.
| SHOP |
Women's Daily Devotional (Target $16!) | Headspace App (You can get 10 sessions for free! or purchase a subscription if you end up liking it)
I love using scents on the daily that help de-stress & clear my mind. Diffusers with essential oils are also amazing to have in your room or even work space! I've linked my favorite products below.
Also, I'm not a huge believer in anxiety medication, but I do often at times rely on L-Theanine vitamins that help. I've also linked my personal favorites below.
| SHOP |
Aromatherapy Collection (Bath & Body works has my favorites - I like using Eucalyptus & Sage) | Diffuser (Target under $40!) | Olly GoodBye Stress Gummies (Target for $12!)
I have made unplugging a thing to follow up with this year. Social media is an amazing tool, but it's also an addiction (and I'm the first to admit that!). Just like everything in life, it has it's good side and it's bad side - I've experienced both.
It's really difficult to be able to open up about any kind of struggle, but honestly this is what I like to rely on when I feel like I'm drowning. Speaking to someone you trust and someone who is close to you can help, BUT... I also believe in therapy. If you're like me, I often feel like talking to a therapist brings me closure & better understanding just because it's not someone who knows you (like a family member or significant other would) + since therapists are trained for this, they often do recommend you advices you would have not thought of on your own.
I really hope my own struggles could help someone else out there that may be going through the same thing. As I've said many times before, writing and journaling is my outlet to be open and whether it's documenting fashion, beauty, and even moments like these - it all helps me.
We are not perfect, and it's okay not to be okay always.
Until next post,
Xo
I really hope my own struggles could help someone else out there that may be going through the same thing. As I've said many times before, writing and journaling is my outlet to be open and whether it's documenting fashion, beauty, and even moments like these - it all helps me.
We are not perfect, and it's okay not to be okay always.
Until next post,
Xo