Show of hands – Who is busy?
I obviously can’t see you, but I bet you at least mentally raised your hand, didn’t you?
Of course you are busy. We all are even if we haven’t left our house in a week.
Being too busy was a thing way before 2020 happened (Kivi wrote a whole book about it) and it will be a thing next year and the year after that.
For those of us dealing with anxiety issues, being overworked can just push us over the edge. But there are still emails that need to be written, Zoom meetings that need to be attended, dinner that needs to be cooked, homework that needs to be checked, and on and on and on.
I first read the article 11 Ways to Cope with Anxiety When You’re Busy by Alicia Clark a couple of years ago, but I think it’s time to revisit it.
Try these strategies from that article to lessen your anxiety even when you are busy.
Relaxation Techniques
You know those times when your brain just won’t shut up? You can bring the volume down with some exercises like:
- Deep breathing
- Mindfulness meditation
- Body-scan meditation
- Visualization
- Yoga or Tai Chi
Stop Multi-Tasking
Stop checking email while writing your email newsletter. Or put down your phone when you are at home with your family. Establish your priorities and focus on one task at a time.
Do Good
Helping others not only benefits them, it can refocus your anxiety and make you feel better too.
Exercise
Do whatever you can to get those endorphins releasing!
Talk to Someone
Find a friend, therapist or support group to make you laugh, talk through your problems, and refocus your energy.
Get Off Electronics
I feel like a hypocrite with this one because I am the worst at checking my phone after I am in bed. I now try to only play solitaire or word games and have my phone set to night mode to cut down on the blue light. Better options would be reading a book or meditating.
Eat Well
Again – Hi pot! My name is kettle. But I am cutting out sugary sodas and limiting caffeine to my morning tea. We should also eat more fruits and vegetables and drink more water.
Go for It!
In the illustrious words of Alexander Hamilton (or Lin-Manuel Miranda), “You get nothing if you wait for it, wait for it, wait.” Defy your anxiety telling you everything that could go wrong and get started with that next project you have been to scared to try.
Tell Yourself You Can Handle This
Because you are handling this. You may not think you are doing a great job, but you still show up and sometimes that’s all you can do.
Manage Expectations
Focus on realistic goals when you are in the middle of dealing with stress and anxiety. Disappointments will still happen and it’s OK to feel bad about those. But keep moving forward.
Set Boundaries
Chances are you have over-extended yourself. We have written a lot about boundaries and you need to have them especially if you feel anxious.
For more on managing anxiety when you are busy see the original article 11 Ways to Cope with Anxiety When You’re Busy by Alicia Clark
