it's been forever and a day and so much has changed in my life...we'll get to all of that soon enough, but first, I want to know how you are. in this time of uncertainty and new normals, I know a lot of people are struggling. whether it be with anxiety, depression, fear, sadness, anger, or maybe you are fine and just rolling through the punches...whatever it is that you are feeling, know you are not alone. 

for me, it's anxiety. I've struggle with anxiety since I was about 23 years old, but have had it under control for over a year now...until the coronavirus happened. and honestly, right at first, I was fine. I was in fix-it, figure it out mode and it didn't really hit me until last week. and I wanted to share some of my coping mechanisms for when I'm in the thick of it. I'd love to hear some of yours as well - leave them in the comments below or come share on my instagram. the best thing we can do right now is come together.

1. I practice 4-7-8 breathing. this helps when you are feeling stressed, anxious, or are having trouble sleeping.  it causes an automatic nervous system shift from a sympathetic (fight or flight reaction) state to a parasympathetic response, which slows your heart rate.  
• sit in a comfy position and relax your muscles
• breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds
• hold your breath for 7 seconds
• exhale through your mouth for 8 seconds
• repeat as many times as you need
2. I take a magnesium supplement like this one. it's a nervous system relaxant and a mineral that assists with fear. restlessness, and irritability.
3. say the following things to yourself:
• I am safe, I am not in danger
• a panic attack cannot hurt me
• I am breathing in enough air
• I am beginning to calm down
• I am going to be okay
4. engage all 5 senses
• name 5 things you can see
• name 4 things you can touch
• name 3 things you can hear
• name 2 things you can smell
• name 1 emotion you can feel
5. drink lots and lots of water. like more than you think you need.
6. give yourself a timeout. go into another room and collect yourself. breathe, pray, scream at the walls - whatever works for you.
7. relax your nervous system regularly. with deep breathing, essential oils, mantras, warm baths, meditation/yoga, reading, music, dancing, cuddling with a pet
8. take care of your sleeping routine. go to bed on time and get plenty of rest.
9. watch out for 'should' statements.
10. remember: your thoughts are not always correct