Depending on how long you’ve been a follower of LIY, you may or may not know that struggles with anxiety and panic attacks has been something I’ve been oh so fortunate [sarcasm] to deal with over the past several years. I can go long periods of time with being 100% fine and then some big life change happens…you know, something like a world pandemic that causes the entire country to stop 😉 and I feel my anxiety start to creep back in. Over the past two months I have noticed anxious thoughts and feelings of fear and worry start to make their way back into my mind. The weird thing for me is that it hasn’t been fear or anxiety around what’s actually happening [not that I feel rainbows and butterflies about that] but more that my mind has had more time to be idle which is when it gravitates towards thinking about anxious ridden things.
To help alleviate some of the anxious thoughts and feelings, I’ve been being very intentional about incorporating practices into my every day that help me feel grounded, calm and give my mind something to focus on. Today I thought I’d share 5 simple things that have made a big impact on me in hopes that it may help some of you who are also dealing with similar feelings right now. Before we jump in, I do want to mention that all of the items featured in today’s post are from Backcountry which is my favorite retailer for both activewear and everyday apparel, as they carry some of my favorite brands, like Alo, Sorel, Yeti, The North Face, Prana, and more! Use code YELLOW15 for 15% off your first purchase at Backcountry.com! [exclusions apply]!
Yoga & Stretching
I have my girlfriend to blame [correction: thank] for turning me onto yoga. I love watching YouTube videos [Boho Beautiful is my go-to] for 5-20 minute yoga routines to really stretch and and strengthen my core. I love doing yoga for the fact that when you’re doing it your mind gets lost in the art of different positions and holds. It hurts so good and I love seeing the positive results on my body as I’m noticing my muscles getting looser with time. Grab a great yoga mat and get to town! ps. Backcountry has a TON of yoga gear which you can check out here! This pullover being the softest thing on the planet, promise.
Meditation
Just typing the word meditation makes me take a deep breath. Over the past year I’ve used the Calm app to do regular meditations whether it be during the day outside [next to our pond while listening to the birds sing is absolutely perfect] or at night as I drift off to sleep, it is so calming and instantly relaxes me.
Swapping Tea For Coffee
It’s no secret that caffeine can have a negative impact on anxiety so while I’m normally a 2 cup of coffee type of gal, I’ve started trading my afternoon cup of coffee for a decaf mind-relaxing tea instead [Yogi is a great brand I love]. Additionally, before I go to bed every night I drink a sleepy time tea while turning on my meditation to truly wind down from the day. Building this habit into my nightly routine has helped me get some of the best nights of sleep I’ve ever had which can go a long way when it comes to feeling our best selves.
Journaling
Walking Outside
Founder and creator of LIY, Erin turned her dream of a hobby blog into a full-time career which she now runs alongside the LIY team! When not in front of her computer screen [with a La Croix or wine in hand] or in front of a mirror taking mirror selfies, you can find Erin spending time on the water, cuddled up with her two pups and husband most likely watching the latest Shark Tank episode, or getting lost in an easy beach read.
Hi Erin! Im in need of a few suggestions. I have a wedding to go to June 14. Its at a botanical garden and the dress code states casual wedding garden attire. Wth is that? Lol I would love for you to send me your suggestions on what to wear. You always look adorable so i know i can just your opinion. Thank you so much!