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[–] 19 points 5 months ago* (2 children)

As others have said, light exercise is okay at pushing the feeling down. Anecdotally, a change in scenery also helps me when I get that way. Go for a walk somewhere you haven't been before and see what's there.

Also the 54321 rule seems to help ground me if I feel myself start to spiral.

  • Name 5 things you can see
  • Then 4 things you can touch
  • Then 3 things you can hear
  • Then 2 things you can smell
  • Finally 1 thing you can taste
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  • [–] 4 points 5 months ago

    I have an "anxiety first aid kit" in my bag for exactly this when I can't get out to greenspace. I have:

    • menthol cough lollies (smell, taste, feel)

    • headphones (hear), and earplugs (hear, for when I'm overwhelmed and need some quiet)

    • hand warmers (feel, one of my first signs is cold/numb fingers)

    • a nostalgic menthol rubbing oil that my mum used to use on my neck and chest whenever I was sick as a kid (smell)

    • peppermint oil for when I'm nauseous (smell)

    • I wear a ring (feel).

    If I resort to headphones, I also use the Balance app and pick one for dealing with anxiety. It gives me something to focus on when someone is telling me what to do.

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