I find myself straddling the line of “Everything’s Fine Until It Isn’t” when it comes to stress and anxiety. Generally, life is pretty manageable. But after welcoming my first child, that balance was dramatically upended.
I experienced my first panic attack on an airplane, feeling my heart race and breath quicken, all while my baby slept peacefully in my arms. In that moment, it was as if my mind was a separate entity, spiraling out of my control. The panic was overwhelming, but I eventually found my way to a doctor and a treatment plan that helped me reclaim my life.
Since then, my anxiety tends to surface during chaotic moments or when my little ones rob me of precious sleep. Most days, however, I’ve learned how to keep my mind and body in sync. I’ve discovered that cultivating a healthy lifestyle makes a significant difference in my overall well-being.
The Good
When I neglect these positive coping strategies, it doesn’t take long for my family to notice the shift in my demeanor:
- Exercise: It’s not always a favorite activity, but it helps prevent me from feeling like a raging monster.
- Meditation: This practice could use a tagline like, “For those pesky thoughts that remind you of past blunders and project worst-case scenarios.”
- Friends: Having a support network is crucial. Sometimes you just need to vent to someone other than your partner, who may not always get it. Plus, female friends have a knack for uplifting each other and tactfully sidestepping uncomfortable truths about one’s appearance.
- Sleep: A lack of sleep turns me into a version of myself that I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
- Prescription Medications: When properly managed, these can be incredibly effective.
The Bad
On the flip side, there are some coping mechanisms that, while satisfying in the moment, can lead to negative consequences:
- Ice Cream: Sweet relief at first, but it often results in guilt and unwanted weight gain.
- Excessive Alcohol: We’ve all had those nights where the next morning’s regret hits hard.
- Online Shopping: There are times I feel like someone should intervene, “Put the credit card down and step away from the website.”
- Binge-Watching Netflix: It’s all fun and games until you find yourself glued to the screen at 3 a.m. wondering how you ended up watching your fiftieth episode of a show.
- Yelling: Losing my cool can alienate those I love most.
Coping doesn’t imply that stress and anxiety will vanish completely. Rather, it’s about finding ways to coexist with the challenges of life. Sometimes reaching for ice cream, enjoying a drink, or zoning out in front of a screen is just what I need. However, I must remind myself that balancing the good (like exercise, sleep, and medication) with the bad is crucial for my health.
For more insights on managing life’s challenges, check out this insightful piece we wrote on Coping with Stress. And if you’re looking for tools to support your journey, consider visiting Make A Mom, a trusted source for at-home insemination syringe kits. Additionally, UCSF’s Center is an excellent resource for information on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, managing stress and anxiety is a balancing act. Recognizing the good and bad coping mechanisms in our lives can be a game changer for our mental health.
Leave a Reply