MY LIST

I take medication daily first thing in the morning and I also have a PRN (take as needed) for anxiety attacks. It took me 9 years of trial and error to find the right medication and it was the hardest thing I have ever done, but worth it for the result in the end.

I've had to go through a LOT of different therapists, but it was all to find the perfect one for me. She is one of my favorite people on the planet. I highly recommend trying people out until you find the right one for you.

Eliminates many methods of self-destruction, keeps me honest, helps my brain chemistry, and makes life more exciting.

I like to go for walks, stretch, do push ups, and go to the gym. I can also use an intense exercise method for anxiety where I do something to get my heart rate up when I am anxious, because my body will regulate it more quickly to help me calm down.

Fuels my body, helps with anxiety, makes me feel good. Helps if I am shaky or tired.

Keeps me hydrated (obviously), helps regulate body temperature.

Takes my mind off anything else going on in my life without being avoidant and allows me to focus on something else. Makes me feel productive and useful. Plus I LOVE my job and my coworkers.

Talk to someone else about their life, what's going on with them, connects me to the world outside myself.

Helps me stay calm during anxiety, feels like a full body hug. I got mine at Target!

Regulates the Central Nervous System and calms me down. Holding something cold and then putting my hands under my eyes is soothing. Putting my face in a bowl of ice water is also a quick way to shock my system into regulation! Extreme but also kind of fun. Keep an orange in your freezer and try it out.

Distraction and way to enter into a different world. I watch things that make me feel something or movies I used to watch as a kid.

My favorite artist is Keaton Henson and I listen to him when I need to relax. I always sing along. I also listen to loud music when I am angry and I can put on music in the car to help me meditate.

Makes my whole body feel happy! My favorite thing to do. Also helps regulate my breathing.

Helps me feel motivated and like I am improving myself. A good way for me to channel concentration and train my muscles.

Inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. OR, inhale for 4, hold for 3, exhale for 7.

Sunlight! Or feeling the breeze, being in nature, feeling peaceful and more free.

Helps my ADHD and anxiety by allowing me to keep moving when I am sitting still. I have a fidget ring that I wear every day and spin, sometimes excessively.

When I am very anxious, talking keeps me responsive and present. Even just answering simple questions like what I like about something or my favorite color.

The water is relaxing and helps me stay present. I can also take a cold shower to use the nervous system regulation technique.

My sister is my best friend and I can call or text her to talk about anything. She understands my stress, anxiety, and depression and knows how to help and she always makes me laugh.

I sit down and write everything that is in my head until my hand hurts. I make a goal to write either one full page or two full pages (I write really small). This helps me clear my mind and focus.

I try to keep at least one thing going in my life that feels like self-improvement that I can put energy into. I'm currently working in audio for production and I can complete new certifications or learn new software any time.

Not when I'm too emotional, but sometimes driving can be calming and I may end up going somewhere fun. Even just to my favorite coffee shop or a place I enjoy being.

I have been in a lot of group therapy and programs, so reaching out to some of my friends who have gone through those things with me can be really helpful because we know each other's minds on a very deep level and can relate a lot to whatever is going on. We also know to remind each other of the solutions we have learned.

Getting the right amount of sleep has been a lot of work and a long process but it makes a huge difference in my life. I don't often feel rested, so when I am able to wake up and feel more lucid throughout the day, I am able to navigate stress and emotions better.

We have worked together to determine how he can help me when I am anxious or depressed. He has come to therapy with me to understand more of how my brain works and what I need in those times when it may be hard for me to communicate.