*My Current Anxiety + Stress Helpers

Friday, August 09, 2019
If you've been following me on social media recently then you'll know that last week I had laser eye surgery and while it is a common operation, I was very happy with the experienced surgeon and the clinic I opted for, it was still a very anxiety inducing, nerve wracking experience - both before and afterwards. So I wanted to share some of the tips and products I use when I'm feeling anxious or stressed as this is what I've been relying on for the past week.

Earphones
The first and one of the most important is a pair of effective earphones, preferably earphones that are noise cancelling. I use my earphones not only to listen to music, films, TV and Youtube as a distraction but also just the noise cancelling effects can help me so much. The muffled quiet the earphones provide allows me to shut out the outside world and loud noises that can make me even more anxious and if I'm honest, I mostly wear the earphones at night as I can't fall asleep unless there is very little noise.

I couldn't wear my earphones during the surgery as I needed to listen to the surgeon at times but being able to listen to music on the way to the hospital definitely helped with my pre-surgery stress and anxiety. I know that some earphones can be very expensive but I think that investing in a pair of wireless, noise cancelling earphones can be invaluable.

Reading 
After a break of almost ten years, I started reading again in 2017 and since then it's become one of my go to stress relievers and anxiety helpers. Some of my favourite genres include: fantasy, non-fiction and historical fiction so they are the books I immediately reach for. Every time I publish my monthly reading wrap-up posts, I receive numerous comments about how I read so much and I think it's due to a few things: reading when I feel anxious or stressed, taking a book with me on the go and how I manage my time as I prefer to read rather than scrolling through my phone or watching the same TV show again and again.

Letting Go
I know that it is incredibly irritating receiving the advice of 'stop worrying' or 'stop thinking about it' but I will say that trying to let go can definitely help. I try to tell myself that whatever is making me anxious is something I cannot control and I should stop worrying about something that I will just have to deal with. Trying to rationalise my thoughts, trying to stop focusing on my anxiety/stress and letting go of negative, anxious thoughts can help so much but naturally it's much easier said than done.

Self Care & Distractions 
Lastly, basic self care such as having a bubble bath, pampering, eating your favourite foods, treating yourself and putting yourself first can help relieve stress and anxious thoughts. I also find that another benefit of pampering, spending time with friends and taking part in your favourite hobbies is that it can be a great distraction and sometimes that is all you need to reduce stress. If the issues persist or become worse, perhaps you could visit your GP for advice.

What do you think of my tips? Do you have any tips for reducing stress and anxiety? 

*this is a collaborative post

20 comments

  1. I always focus on self care

    Jenny
    http://www.jennyinneverland.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Self are definitely helps me get my
    Mind off things and just relax



    Candice x

    natalyaammour.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Reading makes the world of difference to me to be honest!

    Love, Amie ❤
    The Curvaceous Vegan

    ReplyDelete
  4. I find reading a huge help too. It's so nice to just get lost in another world xx

    Tiffany x www.foodandotherloves.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  5. Reading more has helped me so much recently xx

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love this post I need to implement things like these into my life x

    ReplyDelete
  7. I always find music helpful. There's something nice about literally shutting outcall outside distractions x

    Sophie
    www.glowsteady.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  8. reading has helped me loads too!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Listening to movie soundtracks and reading a good book is a great distraction.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I had to re-take my medicine due to my anxiety recently but I still need to find time to relax and stop worrying about the littlest of things x

    ReplyDelete
  11. Some great tips here. I need to read more.

    https://littlemissmelanie.com/

    ReplyDelete
  12. I have a few apps on my phone which help me to switch off, but also reading and anything I can do that is distracting x

    ReplyDelete
  13. Keeping my mind occupied when I'm struggling is a big help for me xx

    ReplyDelete
  14. Reading is a big one for me too. It takes me to a nice place where nothing can bother me.

    ReplyDelete
  15. These are some great helpers! I tend to listen to relaxing music though I could do with some better headphones! I also try to do some reading to keep my mind distracted!

    Daisy xoxo | TheDeeWhoLived

    ReplyDelete
  16. I'm all about self care at the moment, I love it! Reading especially! :)

    Erin || MakeErinOver

    ReplyDelete
  17. Reading really helps me, I try and read a few pages every night before bed to stop my mind from racing
    Em x

    ReplyDelete
  18. I needed to read this today ha ha ! x

    ReplyDelete
  19. Thank you for this, I really suffer with anxiety which seems to creep up on me every few months. I'll try these tips next time

    ReplyDelete

Please don’t leave any spam comments or links - thanks!

I’m no longer accepting any sponsored posts or freelance work at all and for the time being, I’m not accepting products to review so please don’t contact me about any of those, thank you! x