HOW I DEAL WITH ANXIETY & STRESS
ANXIETY, STRESS, DOUBT, GUILT…
All these shitty emotions that aren’t often spoken about, we don’t often get exposed to others living the toughest versions of their lives on instagram, we only see the perfect side of everyones life.. every single fucking day.
And you know what, that can be god damn hard. Don’t get me wrong, it can be very motivating and inspirational when you are in the RIGHT mindset.. but look, I’m being super transparent with you guys, when you are vulnerable and down.. seeing others thriving in areas you aren’t can be challenging and somewhat depressing. But I am here to remind you, you are not alone.
If anyone can relate with a REALISTIC up and down life, its ya girl CEE..
I have been dumped, broke, homeless 3 times growing up, I have lost my license over 4 times (twice last year 2019) I have a horrible credit rating from being a stupid teen with too many credit cards, I have lost many friends, I get stressed easily, I’m horrible with money and struggle to save, I sometimes struggle with my engagement on instagram, I have had anxiety attacks, struggled with an eating disorder, depression, anxiety and have the worst photographic memory in history. Many business projects I have attempted have failed, I can’t dance, sing or even drive very well (although I’m a terrific reverse parker)
But you know what I am proud of.. I NEVER give up. I push through and I use every shitty time in life as a growth opportunity, I say to myself “Chris, remember this is just the universes way of testing how you deal with your behaviour in stressful times, breathe..everything will be ok”
“LET IT BE” - STOP TRYING TO CONTROL WHAT YOU CAN’T AND LEARN TO LET IT BE
Sometimes the best way to deal with tough times is to just ride the wave, stop trying to force things, control it or drive it in the way you think your life should go. Let it be and only do what you can.
the RELIeF ladder method
My best mate @matt_cama shared with me a few years back his method he uses to get out of an anxiety loop hole and feel relief. I still use it to this day.
The relief Ladder method is basically created through doing 3 different things that will progress you to relief (A, B and C) So for example, Personally I wouldn’t put meditation as A because when I am stressed the last thing I want to do is sit still.
So this is what my relief ladder order looks like and why
A: ENDORPHINS -
I will do something to release my stress and release them happy endorphins. The gym, swim, bush walk or walk my fur baby Minimoo.
B: SLOW DOWN -
This step is important, this is where I breathe, and reflect. I will journal, meditate or even just phone a friend. I do something to acknowledge how I feel and either talk about the situation or at least make steps to solve it if I can.
C: AIM FOR JOY -
Lastly, I do something that is going to get me out of that negative mindset, something I generally enjoy doing; like cooking, spending time with my mum or a friend that has high energy, going homeware shopping (guilty) or applying some self-care. This step is important because it allows you to not dwell within that mindset.
Things I do to avoid these situations
Journal, Meditate and prioritise my alone time. Since applying and being consistent with these 3 things my stress levels and anxiety have literally halved. Obviously it takes time, be patient, consistent and most importantly be kind to yourself, realise it is completely normal to feel anxious, sad or lonely.. BUT that does not mean that emotion is you, that does not mean you are AN ANXIOUS PERSON or a SAD or LONELY PERSON. You feel that emotion and you have the power to feel every other emotion too.
speaking up saved my life
Please, if you are feeling helpless and your anxiety is taking over, speak up, it was the start of my recovery to freedom from my mind. A school counsellor, a friend, parent, grandparent, or even kids helpline (1800 55 1800) you are not alone and your emotions are more than valid.
If you have anymore questions or need any advice, comment on my instagram photos or even send me a private DM. I do my absolute best to reply to EVERYONE!