I often find myself in the “Everything’s Great Until It’s Not” camp when it comes to stress and anxiety. Generally, life is pretty smooth sailing. But after the birth of my first child, things took a serious turn.
I experienced my first panic attack mid-flight, feeling my heart race as I struggled to breathe, all while my newborn daughter peacefully slept in my arms. It was a surreal moment where it felt like my mind had been taken hostage, and I could only watch as panic took over. After landing, I sought help, got prescribed medication, and gradually found my way back to calmer waters.
Since that time, my anxiety tends to surface when life spirals out of control or when sleepless nights pile up. For the most part, though, I’ve learned how to maintain a sense of balance, ensuring my body and mind coexist happily. When my brain is rested and content, I feel at home in my own skin.
I’ve discovered both positive and negative coping strategies to handle everyday stress.
The Good
When I neglect any of these healthy habits, my family starts to worry about my sanity:
- Exercise: While I don’t always love it, it helps me keep my inner demons at bay.
- Meditation: It should come with a tagline like, “For those pesky thoughts reminding you of past mistakes and scaring you with unlikely futures.”
- Friends: Having someone to confide in is crucial. I need a sounding board besides my partner, and there’s something about women supporting each other that feels uniquely comforting.
- Sleep: Without enough Zs, I turn into a grumpy version of myself that no one wants to deal with.
- Prescription Meds: They can be lifesavers when used appropriately.
The Bad
Some coping mechanisms might feel good in the moment but come with their own baggage:
- Ice Cream: Delicious in the moment, but not so great for self-esteem or waistlines.
- Excessive Drinking: We’ve all been there—dancing the night away only to regret it in the morning.
- Online Shopping: Sometimes, I feel as if someone might catch me mid-click and shout, “Step away from the Amazon cart!”
- Binge-Watching: It’s harmless until it’s 3 a.m. and I’m on my second season of a show.
- Yelling: Particularly at family members until they’re hesitant to be around me.
Coping doesn’t wipe away stress or anxiety entirely; it’s just a way to navigate the complexities of being human. Finding what works for you is essential—sometimes that includes indulging in ice cream or zoning out in front of a screen. However, maintaining a balance between healthy habits (like exercise and sleep) and less constructive ones is crucial to my overall well-being.
For more insights on managing stress and anxiety, check out this blog post for additional tips and resources.
If you’re interested in tools for your journey, I’d also recommend checking out this artificial insemination kit for a more hands-on approach.
Summary:
Navigating stress and anxiety can be a complex journey filled with ups and downs. While healthy coping strategies like exercise, meditation, and supportive friendships are vital, it’s also easy to slip into less beneficial habits. Finding a balance is key to maintaining overall well-being, especially during life’s more chaotic moments.