Marie Denee Let’s talk self-care and mental health. Last week, was national Stress Day, the day after the traditional last day to file taxes, April 15th, but in this time, how are YOU really doing? How are you managing anxiety, loving on yourself, and staying sane?
Well, as someone who deals with both anxiety and depression, I thought it best to also reach out to a few other influencers and plus size bloggers, to hear from them. To, you know, share in how they are also navigating and managing stress and anxiety, in this unprecedented time.
We have talked about self-care in the past, with tips and tools, but right now? Hearing how others figure out things can be encouraging. We may even find new ways to cope… right?
Over here, I have learned that one of the best ways to navigate my own stresses is to help others. With our Speaking of Curves series, we are able to channel our energies to helping other small indie plus size businesses and chatting with fellow business owners.
For me, this helps me understand and hear what others are doing… letting me feel a bit more connected to others.
With this in mind, I wanted to see and share how other influencers and bloggers are navigating things. So, posed to five bloggers this question:
How are you managing your anxiety? What tips are you using to navigate it all?
Sarah of Curvily Fashion
This is an unprecedented time for all of us, and I try to keep that in mind when I am feeling weighed down and listless. I know we’ve all seen the “motivational” quotes about Shakespeare writing his great works during quarantine, but I honestly think that kind of messaging is a bit glib.
This isn’t a vacation or a sabbatical – it is a pandemic.
I’m trying to remember that and to be kind to myself on days I get overwhelmed.
Sometimes that means stepping away from work for a bit, if you can, and doing something that requires focus on something else.
I’ve actually found coloring apps to be really soothing. I’m also enjoying bad reality TV more than usual – there is something oddly relaxing about watching petty dating drama instead of real problems!
Sarah Chiwaya
Kelsie of Kelsie Nick
I chronically live with depression and anxiety- managing it with therapy, and various other things such as exercise. Being on quarantine has been an extreme change that I take on a day by day basis.
I’ve realized setting a routine is a huge.
I get up by 6am- make coffee get dress, and move into a separate space to start work, creating some sort of barrier, mentally and physically, between my home and my work.
To minimize distractions- I set my phone away from me- signing up for breaking news alerts with my work email and ensure I take a lunch break where I go for a walk around the neighbor (mask on).
Keeping with tele- therapy sessions has been vital to process and check in with all my emotions as well.
Really being mindful of my time- even if I’m at home- to not scroll Facebook for 8 hours and set small, daily goals such as brush teeth, do laundry, or make breakfast has been great for positive reinforcement.
Kelsie Nick
Jessica of Curves N Roses
Maintaining my sanity during this time has been a job in itself. For panic attacks, I am using a technique from my therapist called Box Breathing.
It’s fairly simple, you deep inhale for four seconds, hold it for four seconds, and exhale for four seconds.
Also, reducing the amount of news that I consume.
Jessica Thierry
Tajuana of Tee Run the World
Being under a statewide Stay-At-Home order has been quite the adjustment. My anxiety has been through the roof while getting acclimated to working from home.
During this time of uncertainty, I’ve learned to manage my anxiety by practicing journaling and meditation.
Journaling allows me to gather all of my thoughts and concerns and reflect on why they’re causing so much stress.
Meditation allows me to take all of that pressure and release it as holding on to it creates tension within my own body.
I find a lot of amazing journaling prompts on Pinterest and I use head space for guided meditation. It’s my favorite way to stay grounded in the midst of all this.
Tajuana Blackmon
Janetha of Gracefully Broken
I am managing my anxiety by limiting my exposure to news. By reading the news instead of listening to it I can ensure that I am reading from legit and reputable websites.
I have also started going outside more by taking walks around my neighborhood.
Lastly, I use positive affirmations to give myself gentle reminders that this too, shall pass.
Janetha
What did you think about these tips? Could you see a few of these helping you along the way?
Could you share a few ways that you are managing anxiety and stress?
Let’s discuss…
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