HACK | Navigating Anxiety and Social Pressures

One of the biggest sources of my anxiety stems from my own perception that I need to be as perfect as possible. Even though I'm fully aware of how unreachable the goal of perfection is, it's a hard thing to let go. There are so many things that reinforce this mindset as we grow up: get good grades, look good, stay fit, eat healthy, get a good job, have a clean house... it's no wonder we're all anxiety ridden, all. the. time.

And now we have the Coronavirus pandemic where all of these things are still present but now we have REAL problems to worry about. Take care of your family and keep them healthy, find a way to pay your bills with no business coming in...

It's hard to not be hard on ourselves.

First of all, something that took me a long time to learn is that no one cares about me and what I'm doing nearly as much as I think. You do something embarrassing or run out of the house without makeup and think "OMG what if I run into someone!?"... Literally... no one is going to care. The sooner you come to terms with just how little you are in this world, the happier you will be.

Second, what you eat and drink DOES have an affect on your anxiety. Alcohol is a known anxiety amplifier, along with caffeine and sugar.

Third, stay off social media when you're feeling anxiety come on. It's only going to make you feel worse. And when you are on social media, unfollow anything and anyone that doesn't bring you inspiration and joy.

Lastly, talk to someone who knows you well. Honest feedback is how you can move past whatever is weighing heavily on your heart and mind. If you have a lot of anxiety because you haven't been moving and exercising, you need someone to hold you accountable for that to get you back on track. Talking to someone who is going to "yes man" you, is only enabling you to stay in your current path. Try to keep things as positive and proactive as possible.