This post is for all of my anxious people…

I know I’ve always been open and honest about my anxiety and living with anxiety daily, but the past two years have hit differently. I’ve grown and transformed as a person and during that transformative journey, my anxiety has changed as well. As you age, anxiety feels different and it affects you differently. The things, people, and issues that once bothered you no longer do. You find new and different things, people, and issues to stress and obsess over (yay). I wish I could say as I approach the end of my twenties that my anxiety has completely faded away, but that would be a lie. I would also love to say that I handle my anxiety so much better now that I’m at the age that I am, but that would also be a lie. Some days I’m graceful and other days I’m a hot mess, but no matter what I am stronger than any bad day. I’ve been through the darkest moments and have always found the light.

I’ve suffered from anxiety since I was a little girl, so to say I’m used to being an anxious person is an understatement. Sometimes, I forget how good I am at dealing with my own emotions until I take a step back and realize how much I’ve overcome and how little I’ve allowed to break me. Hard days are hard, point blank. We all have them. But, the hard days aren’t permanent and they don’t define us. They’re just a tiny piece of our story.

I also have OCD and I can truthfully say that the things that make me lose my mind are the silliest, tiniest things. I will lose sleep over something that no one else would ever even notice. Regardless of what’s triggering me and what my days look like, I’m a fiercely positive person. I’ve always been a glass-half-full kind of girl. I believe that my positivity and optimism (even on the worst days) are what has powered me through. I’m not perfect at dealing with my anxiety and OCD, but I do have a few pieces of advice that truly help me.

• If you’re feeling extra anxious, take a social media break (leave Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.) behind for a while. Social media is awful for your mental health, especially when you’re feeling anxious.
• Stop comparing yourself, your home, and your life to others. You are you. Your life, body, home, and career will always look slightly different than someone else’s. Instead of spending time comparing, spend time celebrating you.
• Surround yourself with the things that you love…candles, books, people, places, music. Fill your days and your home with what makes you smile.
• Remember that if you don’t appreciate the little things, the big things will never matter. Take the time to embrace and enjoy the little things (they’re the foundation of everything).
• Meditate the anxiety away. At the beginning of the day, or the end of the day, sit somewhere quiet and meditate. I put on meditation music (or nature sounds) and I allow the negative thoughts to drift away.
• Sometimes, you just need to get out of your house. Go for a drive, go get a cup of coffee, go for a walk, or wander around a store. Just take a breath elsewhere.
• When you’re feeling anxious, it’s good to reroute your energy into something positive. Bake something, create something, paint something, and distract your mind.

Xo