What are you favorite skills or tricks for dealing with your anxiety?
I'll start. I've discovered that earplugs (I use loops) make dealing with loud places like restaurants so much easier! I used to eat and run from family meals. Now I can at least hang out after I finish eating, if not easily participate in the conversation.
This probably isn't for everyone but I found that journaling helps me. I just type whatever is bothering me and whatever else comes to mind. After a really bad weekend about a month ago, I finally started doing some research because I couldn't stand how I was feeling anymore and journaling came up so I gave it a shot. The first few days I wrote a lot, but as the week went on and I guess I got out what I needed to, I felt better and now I am down to just a short paragraph a day.
Staying present. Like fully focusing on a task like brushing my teeth, cooking, cleaning, etc. I just completely empty my mind and focus only on the act of doing that task. The sound, how things feel, my movements. I meditated ALOT before I was able to really understand what being present means. It helps a lot with minor things that cause me anxiety. Otherwise, deep breathing is something I try when I’m near panic…which is a hit or miss depending on how quickly my mind is racing.
These are of limited effectiveness for me, but controlled deep breathing helps, as well as hot baths. As far as social situations alcohol unfortunately, or fortunately depending on the person i guess haha