Sometimes we just don’t know that we are in a negative head space. And it may take a while before we are aware of it, perhaps after we have already had some form of meltdown.
Let’s say you check in with yourself and find that you need to decompress. One thing that you can do is ground yourself by taking in your surroundings with each of your senses.
I have had a number of clients tell me that, when having anxiety or an outright panic attack, slowly drinking cold water has been calming for them.
Like drinking cold water, splashing cold water on your face can be calming. The benefits of cold water date as far back as 400 BC. Hippocrates believed that cold water could reduce instances of fatigue.
This may sound ridiculous, but there is merit to this. Scheduling a block or two of time in the day to address your anxieties can make such thoughts less intrusive throughout the day.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it can be hard to find time for yourself. It is also difficult to truly set aside that time for yourself. But we need this time for ourselves to decompress.
Oftentimes, we work ourselves to the bone. In addition to setting those timers or alarms in order to keep yourself from exploding, it is important to know what your boundaries are so that you know how to communicate them to others so that you don’t work right to or past your limits.
Not just your needs to survive, but also your needs to thrive. What do you need in your life right now? What needs are being met, and what needs are falling to the wayside?
I am not one to spout toxic positivity your way. If saying “I love you” in the mirror is beneficial to you, then do it. Everyone needs self-love. But not everyone is ready for it.
No one person is an island. We all need support. Reach out to your friends, family, and significant others … you are not a burden.