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I am in a season of overwhelm. Anyone else feel me? Sometimes, it is difficult to figure out how to manage tough emotions, like anxiety. This has led me to finding different self-care activities that work for me to help ease moments of anxiety so they doesn’t develop into a panic attack.
Whenever you are feeling overwhelmed and anxious, there are a number of self-care activities you can do to help ease these feelings of anxiousness.
Self-Care Activity #1: Journal
This is by far one of my favorite things to do whenever I am feeling overwhelmed. I use it to process through tough questions and I also use journaling for my prayer time with the Lord. Being able to get everything out on paper helps me stay focused and mindful.
I realize that journaling may be new to you! If so, I have created a post just for you! Here are 10 Prayer Journaling Prompts For When You Feel Anxious.
Activity #2: Take a bath
For an extra relaxing experience, use a bubble bar or a bath bomb.
Self-Care Activity #3: Read a book
Is there anything better than a cup of tea and a good book in hand? Getting lost in an amazing story is another one of my favorite ways to unwind. If you are looking for some good reads, here are a couple of books that I have read recently that you might enjoy:
- Suffering is Never for Nothing – Elisabeth Elliot (Faith/Nonfiction)
- Fervent – Priscilla Shrier (Faith/Nonfiction)
- The Strange Case of the Alchemists Daughter – Theodora Goss (Mystery/Fiction)
- European Travel for the Monstrous Gentlewomen – Theodora Goss (Mystery/Fiction)
- Uninvited – Lysa TerKeurst (Faith/Nonfiction)
Activity #4: Play with puppies
A lot of towns have pet stores where you can go in a play with the puppies they have for sale. Pop in and get you some puppy cuddles #puppytherapy.
Self-Care Activity #5: Color
Coloring pages can be quite therapeutic. Extra bonus whenever you find coloring pages that help you meditate and memorize scripture! We have some really cute ones in our shop!
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Activity #6: Eat a healthy snack
There are so many healthy snacks to choose from. Fruit is always a great place to start: blueberries, kiwi, strawberries, bananas, dragon fruit, oranges. This list goes on and on.
Self-Care Activity #7: Exercise
According to an article by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, “Scientists have found that regular participation in aerobic exercise has been shown to decrease overall levels of tension, elevate and stabilize mood, improve sleep, and improve self-esteem. About five minutes of aerobic exercise can begin to stimulate anti-anxiety effects”. Something like a short walk or some easy yoga can do wonders to help you lift your mood.
Activity #8: Meditate on comforting Scriptures
One self-care activity that I have recently began incorporating into my day is mediating on a Scripture. I like to keep a small box of 3×5 cards that have my favorite scriptures on them. Whenever I am feeling overwhelmed, I can pull from this box. This helps me both meditate on and memorize Scripture at the same time.
Self-Care Activity #9: Talk to a good friend or counselor
Sometimes, there is nothing more helpful than being able to talk about how you are feeling with someone that you trust with your emotions. This can be a counselor, a good friend, or another woman in your church whom you trust.
Activity #10: Diffuse essential oils
Whenever I am feeling anxious, I like to practice self-care by diffusing lavender essential oil; an oil known for its calming effects. If you do not have a diffuser, you can also put a few drops on a tissue and lay it next to your pillow.
Self-Care Activity #11: Bake your favorite dessert
Activity #12: Listen to a podcast
Equipping Godly Women has a wonderful list of podcasts for Christian women. You can check it out here!
Self-Care Activity #13: Make a playlist that has all of your favorite songs on it
Activity #14: Go to the beach and watch the sunset
Self-Care Activity #15: Take a nap
Sometimes, we can feel anxious as a result of not getting enough rest. Slip into your favorite pajamas, snuggle up with your favorite blanket, and get some much needed (and deserved) rest.
What about you?
What are your favorite self-care activities? Let me know in the comments below!
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