I often find myself on the “Everything’s Fine Until It’s Not” spectrum when it comes to managing stress and anxiety. Most days, life is pretty manageable. However, that changed dramatically after the birth of my first child.
My very first panic attack struck on a plane, where I was sweating, trembling, and gasping for air while my little one slept peacefully in my arms. It felt as if my mind was no longer my own; it was like something had taken over. The internal dialogue during that episode was chaotic, and I could only sit back and witness the turmoil. After that experience, I sought medical help, received a prescription, and gradually improved.
Since then, my anxiety tends to resurface during particularly chaotic moments in life or when my kids rob me of precious sleep. Most of the time, however, everything is just fine, thanks to a few practices that keep my body and mind in sync. I appreciate being in my own skin when my brain is happy, well-rested, and not trying to escape its confines.
Through my journey, I’ve discovered both healthy and unhealthy ways to cope with everyday stress.
The Good
When I neglect the following self-care practices, chaos ensues, and my family looks at me as if I might explode.
- Exercise: I may not always love it, but physical activity prevents me from becoming an irritable version of myself.
- Meditation: This should come with a tagline like “For the nagging voices reminding you of past blunders and future fears that are unlikely to happen.”
- Friends: Essential for my mental health. I need someone other than my partner to vent to, and female friends often uplift each other in ways that partners might not understand. Plus, they have a knack for telling me I look great when I don’t feel that way.
- Sleep: Without adequate rest, I transform into a grumpy being who is not easy to be around.
- Prescribed Medication: Medicinal help can be effective.
The Bad
On the other hand, there are unhelpful coping mechanisms that can seem appealing in the moment but ultimately lead to more problems.
- Ice Cream: Instant gratification, but not great for waistlines or self-esteem.
- Excessive Alcohol: We’ve all had nights filled with dancing and then regretting it the next day.
- Online Shopping: I sometimes feel like I need someone to say, “Put down the Amazon cart and step away slowly.”
- Binge-Watching: It’s fun until you realize it’s 3 AM and you’ve watched your umpteenth episode of Friends.
- Yelling: Especially at family members, leading them to want to avoid me.
Coping doesn’t eliminate the stress and anxiety; it’s about finding ways to navigate life as a human with its inherent challenges. I sometimes rely on ice cream and screen time, but I must remind myself that balancing the good—like exercise and sleep—with the bad is essential for my overall health.
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Summary
Managing stress and anxiety is a delicate balance between healthy and unhealthy coping strategies. While practices like exercise, meditation, and good sleep are beneficial, it’s easy to slip into less healthy habits like indulging in ice cream or binge-watching shows. Finding what works for you is key, and maintaining that balance is crucial for well-being.