5 Ways to Cope with Anxiety
5 senses
When I was in high school, I was experiencing a really horrible panic attack, and a buddy of mine noticed and approached me, asking me to name five things I could see in that time. The next step was for me to list four things I could feel. Next, describe three things I smelled. Following that, she asked me to name two things that I could smell. And finally, something I could taste. After everything was said and done, I felt calm enough to think rationally.
Coloring
Honestly, it feels like everyone is rocking a phone or some sort of mobile device these days! Whenever I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed or like things are spiraling, I love to grab my phone and dive into some coloring. It’s such a vibe! Honestly, any coloring app is a vibe! I’m all about those color-by-number apps because they let me relax and just enjoy the process without overthinking it. 🎨✨ It's all about that color, babe! I love to color as many pages as it takes to find my zen and unwind a bit! 🎨✨ This method is seriously amazing! You can literally do it almost anywhere, and that's what makes it so versatile! Even when you're grinding at school or hustling at work! If your workplace or school has a no-phone policy, no worries! Just sneak away to the restroom or take a little break to unwind and enjoy some coloring until you’re all set to dive back in. You got this!
Music
Music is that universal vibe we all connect with, right? It’s like our little escape, our home away from home! 🎶✨ Turn up the volume on your go-to jam by your fave artist and just vibe with the music! Embrace the words and truly tune in to what they’re saying! You know, sometimes we feel like we’re all alone in our struggles, but honestly, so many people can relate to what we’re experiencing. You're definitely not alone in this journey! Even the stars! It's honestly so comforting to realize that your favorite artist has faced similar struggles. It just makes you feel a little less alone, right? I vibe to music all day long! It’s my secret weapon to keep those overwhelming moments at bay. 🎶✨
Breathing
Anxiety has a way of hijacking the moment, making it hard to think or even breathe. When that happens, I turn to a simple technique called 4-7-8 breathing. I inhale for four seconds, hold it for seven, then slowly exhale for eight. It feels like I’m pressing a reset button on my nervous system. My shoulders drop, my chest loosens, and my thoughts finally slow down. It doesn’t fix everything, but it gives me enough calm to face what’s next. Sometimes, the breath is the breakthrough. 🌬️💛
Being Active
Anxiety hits differently for everyone, but one thing I’ve learned is how powerful movement can be. It doesn’t have to be a workout or anything intense—sometimes just pacing around, stretching, or even fidgeting helps break the tension. Getting active reminds your brain and body that you’re still in control, even when everything feels chaotic inside. Whether it’s a quick walk, some dancing, or just standing up and shaking it off, motion helps ground you. It’s a simple way to hit pause on anxious thoughts and find your balance again. Movement isn’t a cure-all, but it’s a tool we can all use to feel a little more steady. 💪🌿