How I Found My Inner Sparkle With Anxiety

For me, I'll never forget when I had my first panic attack in March 2011 while I was at college. The empty feeling of having no hope and being consumed by the overwhelming sensation of being a failure will forever be with me. Feeling like your breath got knocked out of you. Crying but your not sure why. Light-headed, dizzy, mind-racing. I have never been in that dark of a place before and it was so scary.

Dealing with things that effect you mentally can be rough but for me, anxiety has been the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with. I've always been the the type to get overwhelmed very easily and I just thought it was the stress of life. Then during psychology class in the summer after that first attack, I finally understood that I need to get some outside help for this. All of the anxiety signs seemed to fit...

• feeling lost
• surge of overwhelming panic
• constantly worried
• tensed
• suffer from depression at one point in time

After talking with my doctor, it was confirmed and I started taking medication shortly afterwards. At first, I was extremely embarrassed about my diagnosis because I didn't want people to know I took medication for this. You start think something is wrong with you and that is not the case. 

You are not Alone. Never, ever, ever, ever think your alone with this because your not. You will have tough times but you will be ok. Learn to surround yourself with people who are positive and have your best interest at heart. Myself, I have several activities that give me sense a calm and completely keep my mind at bay. 

Adult Coloring Books

Ok before you pass judgement, this is seriously the best thing ever. My adult coloring book (yes this is a real thing) is one of my favorite tools to use when I'm feeling anxious. Studies have shown that this activity provides a low stress way to calm you and take you back to a time of simpler thinking, such as childhood. Psychologists recommend coloring to adults as a new relaxing, meditating technique. I got my Adult coloring book at Michaels here in Tyler but online is always an option too.

Journaling 

This technique is probably one of the first tips that someone will give you when having stressful time or anxiety. I'm not a huge fan of writing things down on paper, I'm sure it's the fact that as a lefty, writing in a spiral is not my favorite thing to do. Thank you Baby Jesus for Left-Handed Spirals! I would much rather type up something. I do however, use this awesome journal I got at Target just to write down my many many many random thoughts so that it leaves my mind.

Decorating/Crafting

I absolutely love to decorate and craft things. I am my happiest when I am in a craft store, checking out all the wonderful things I can create. My newest project is decorating my cute new planner and Oh my, who knew there was an entire Planner Decorating Community! Im just getting into but I am pleased and I love that each week, I basically begin a new project!

I understand everyone is different and some of these things may not be for you. I'm not saying these will work for everyone, just that these are what works for me. It took me YEARS to learn to understand anxiety and how I can control it with these activities. Finally, I have Found My Inner Sparkle with dealing with anxiety and I refuse to look back.