Listen to me, Shelby. Right now I want you to stop everything that you're doing this instant. Get rid of everything except your Wattpad reading device and breathe. That's it, take it easy.

Welcome back, Shelby, and I'm glad to know you needed me. Stay put on your seat and I'll be helping you get through it. Okay?

Great. So first of all, a very big thanks to the power of discovery. As we are now in the 21st Century, mental illnesses are slowly progressing to become a much transparent topic. Thus, finally, people suffering from such an unhealthy state of mind will no longer be pushed away by the doctor's office.

And to you who's reading this right now, you no longer have to hide your unsettling feelings without getting a proper explanation for it.

Cue enthusiasm, thank you medical researchers.

So before we begin, I am once again going to be answering a literal couple of questions that will help pave your way out of the snow, beginning with the most obvious one.

Anxiety is a natural emotion.

(No, I will not bombard you with boring information, but maybe just throw a hint to soothe the nerves of those first-timers.)

Well, there are many definitions, but here is the most relaxing of them all. Anxiety is generally referred to as quote unquote your body's natural way of responding to stress.

That being said, you may not even know it's anxiety at first. But don't freak out. Because as bad as it gets, it is still a normal product of the human body. And this only goes to show that everyone on the planet has it.

Yes, you heard it right. Everyone has anxiety. And I am in no way undermining yours when I say this, but the only difference between you and these people are your anxiety levels. Well then, next you might ask.

We are normal & equally different.

We, the people of the universe, have various problems, really diverse backgrounds, and most importantly equally unique struggles and therefore handle situations differently.

In fact, our coping mechanisms are so different that you and a hundred other people could be stressing over the same hotdog sandwich; most of which could get through the whole thing in one bite while two or three end up choking.

Honestly, anxiety can be such a party pooper. You could be getting anxiety from something as simple as seeing someone biting into their kitkat instead of breaking it apart or from something as heavy as the painful demise of a loved one. Neither of which are invalid.

Which ultimately leads us to our first solution.

Alright I know, either I sound like I'm tripping or I sound like your therapist. But listen, your anxiety is seen & valid. So I'm not gonna tell you to just go on and deal with it. I will never tell you to live the rest of your life with anxiety like it's a part of you.

And you're right if you somehow feel that those statements kind of seem off-putting because that type of acceptance is very wrong.

Here's why I want you to do it:

I am asking you to acknowledge the presence of anxiety simply because it is such a pain in the head that not all people can easily escape. And it is a pain in the head that you need to acccept first in order to know how to sort it out.

True, this intense sense of worrying may sound so horrible and impact your life in the most negative way but Shelby, it is real. And the best part about accepting it exists, is accepting that something can be done about it existing.

And that's where solution number two comes in.

Being mindful means taking control of your emotions, so here are a few things to help keep you steady.

Psychology says yes to small practice. One of the easiest ways to calm yourself is by taking deep breaths like I asked you earlier. Really long ones. They are scientifically proven to provide instant relief which answers the question for why it is commonly advised. Another would be dipping your fingers or hands in ice and washing your face with cold water because coldness is numbing and forces a nice, alerting sensation that helps wake our senses.

Other experts suggest keeping your favorite scents close by (not always lavender, hello to my creamsicle and menthol fans!) such as candles and essential oils as they do a great deal in helping you relax. But if you hate stuff that smell like flowers and want to get a grip on yourself, fist-clenching is also considered an excellent alternative as well.

Ignoring the above-mentioned, there are still so many available options and suggestions that are proven to help lessen anxiety. Some revolve on larger factors such as correcting sleeping habits and time management that will surely benefit you greatly in the long run.

However, I find that it is better to opt for those second, in addition to small practice. Another reminder, don't be too hard on yourself if these don't work, okay. Remember not everything works for everyone or you might end up losing it.

Assess the easiest, most doable ones first (there are plenty!) and try those to find out what best works for you.

Did you know that physical practice is only secondary when it comes to anxiety?

What most people fail to recognise is that the primary goal is emotional healing. The hardest thing for a lot of people when battling these feelings is lifting themselves up. Believe me, we overestimate our problems when the truth is we are so much bigger than them.

And it is okay to fret and worry about things, Shelby. That's normal because maybe that deadline will cause you your career and that general admission ticket might be your last chance at meeting your idol. Being anxious means you care about your life and everything in it. But no matter the stakes, we have to keep that chin up and we always have to press ourselves forward.

A bad day, week, month, or even a year is not a bad life. And whatever life may throw at your anxious little self, embrace it, but just remember this one thing for me: with time and healing this too shall pass. You'll come through eventually.

I believe in you, Shelby.

Whether you are extremely anxious or not I challenge you to tell yourself that one rejuvenating phrase in the mirror everyday: I am anxious, but I am hopeful. And don't stop until you believe it. Watch it surprise you from the back. Share your experiences good and bad in the comments section if you like!

1.) 21 Quick Tips to Change your Anxiety Forever by Psychotherapist Linda Esposito.

2.) 9 Ways to Reduce Anxiety Right Here, Right Now by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S.

3.) 10 Anxiety Hacks Therapists Swear By by Fiona Tapp

Hello favorites! This is me reminding you again and again that nothing will be easy at first.

You will take chances, both win and lose them. But there is nothing to be ashamed of for trying because in return no matter the outcome, you grow.

See you, Shelby.

hugs and dopamine,
dilagmakata