I wake up feeling fine and go about my morning routine. But as the minutes tick by I can feel the anxiety building. I busy myself with cleaning the house and applying for jobs but the feeling only continues to worsen. “Just go for a run” I tell myself. In my mind this will make everything better. I make to the trail, run for an hour, but the anxiety returns by the time I make it back home. My boyfriend comes home and hugs me…and I lose it. I’m crying and trying to explain that I feel like I’ve been on the verge of a panic attack all day. So what’s up?
For a long time I thought everyone constantly felt as anxious and overwhelmed as I do. Over the past few years I’ve realized that isn’t always the case. When my anxiety builds I stupidly try to push it down and forget about it…and then my anxiety overflows, I break. When I’m experiencing a lot of anxiety I feel like there is an elephant sitting on my chest and my throat feels tight; as if it is about to close. I can’t put my emotions into words and I just feel stuck. So why did I feel this way? Ahh the harsh world of unemployment. I have been applying for jobs relentlessly for the past two months (to no avail). I spend hours each day perfecting my resume and cover letter only to receive rejection email after rejection email. I am someone who thrives off of being busy. Thus, this whole staying at home each day has got me feeling extra anxious. When I’m feeling a little extra stressed I find that running soothes my soul. I can get outside, lose track of time, and begin to feel the stress melt away. Unfortunately, this doesn’t seem to work as well when I am feeling EXTREMELY anxious.
Over the past two years I have gotten better about coping with my anxiety and figuring out what works best for me; positive affirmations/ mantras. When my throat begins feeling tight, I close my eyes focus on my breath and repeat these affirmations over and over. I do this until I believe them to be true, until my breath is relaxed, smooth, and steady. You may or may not be able to relate to my struggles with anxiety. Either way I hope that these affirmations/mantras are able to calm you in times of stress and remind you that everything is going to be alright.
I am exactly where I need to be.
This moment is as it should be.
I am safe and secure in this present moment.
I choose to react positively to each situation I am faced with.
What I see as an obstacle is really an opportunity for growth.
I am worthy of serenity.
I surrender to the universe and plans that it has for me.
I am surrounded by loving individuals who support me.
I am on the right path.
Being at peace is my natural state.