The Anxiety Toolbox

We all need one.

Big surprise, I have anxiety. And unfortunately, if you’re reading this - you probably do too.

While I’m thrilled that anxiety and other mental health disorders are being discussed more openly today, there’s still much more we can do to improve the conversation. Let me help guide the way.

After many years of dealing with anxiety myself, whether that be just plain old everyday anxiety or panic attack on the floor anxiety, I have come up with a bunch of ways to cope to help myself through those challenging moments (emphasis on moments - they are temporary!) And I hope sharing what has helped me, can help you!

What really supports me, and I believe can also benefit you, is having a physical toolkit. Simply knowing that the toolkit is available can provide ease, comfort, and decrease your anxiety significantly. Let’s get into what’s inside.

The Physical Toolbox

1. Travel Size Bag

   First and foremost, you need a little bag like this to keep all the things you need when you are on the go. Add all your things to it and plop it in your purse!

2. Lavender Essential Oil

   Carrying around lavender has been a game changer for me. In moments of panic or high stress, I grab the oil and put a bit on my wrists to smell. It doesn’t cure me, but it sure does help calm me down.

   

3. Sour Candy

   When it comes to panic attacks, research has found that eating sour candy can really help slow down your heart rate and stop the panic attack. Something about the sour taste takes your mind from racing and onto the sensation on your tongue. It’s also a nice treat ;)

2. Ginger Candy

   This may be specific to me, but when I am anxious I tend to get stomach pain and/or nausea, especially when I am in a moving vehicle. These ginger candies are game-changers for me. Could be placebo but I swear once I have these my nausea is 90% gone.

2. Stress Balls

   You know when you are anxious and you literally just don’t know what to do with yourself? Sometimes just grabbing a stress ball to squeeze and have something to do with your hands is so helpful.

2. Breathing Necklace

   I actually have not tried this yet but I think I’m going to order this to add to my kit. I think having something to help you breathe in moments of extreme anxiety is so helpful and important so I will report back here.

2. Stress Relief Tea Bag

   If you are at home, or close by to a place that can serve you hot water, I always carry these tea bags with me just in case I need a little pick-me-up or rather calm-me-down (lol).

2. Pocket Journal

   To slow down your racing thoughts, research has shown that writing them down can really help slow the mind and ease the body. If you don’t want to carry around an actual journal with you, then you can use your notes page in your phone.

I hope you find this physical toolkit helpful. I know it really helps me when I need it. If you have other suggestions to add or other items that help you, let me know!