How I'm overcoming my anxiety

I realise that the title of this post is very optimistic, not everyone is able to fight their anxieties. But I honestly can't imagine having to deal with my mental issues for the rest of my life and I plan on doing everything I can to overcome them!
I have improved massively over the past few weeks, so I wanted to share some of the things that I'm doing and just generally track how far I've come on my journey.

Literature

When I shared my blog post explaining my anxiety I was almost immediately receiving messages with book recommendations from people. Reading these books has made the biggest positive changes so far.
Being able to relate and understand exactly what the author is discussing has definitely reminded me that I'm not alone and applying the advice to my own life has completely fueled my progress. So far I have read "Self-help for your nerves" Dr Clare Weekes, the book explains the different variations of mental breakdowns and the steps that can be taken. The book is filled with different stories that relate to each point the author is making and it's extremely inspirational reading how people have overcome their depression and anxiety.
I'm currently reading "Feel the fear and do it anyway" Susan Jeffers and so far I'm feeling empowered and ready to face my fears and never allow them to control me like they have in the past.

Rest and respite

Of course the obvious tip when you are stressed and anxious is to take time for yourself.
I know a lot of the time for me clearing my mind has been near impossible, and there would always be thoughts racing no matter what, but it's important to relax and forget about the worries for as long as you possibly can. Guilt free "me time" is so important.
Some things I like to do when I need to unwind...

• Have a candle lit bubble bath and play some relaxing music (I reccomend Nick Allbrook's solo album, Ganough, Wallis & Fatuna... he and the album are both perfect!)

• Put on some clean bedding and have a duvet day with a good book or some Netflix.
• Go for a walk and get some fresh air. I've even started running with the dog when I'm up to it.
• Meditate and take time to concentrate on your breathing.
• Go for a coffee and do some people watching or flick through a magazine.

Think health

When I was at my worst with my anxiety I watched the Secret documentary and it became clear to me how negative I was being and how I was dwelling on my fears and therefore creating more and more fear. I was allowing every little thing to upset me and blaming it on my anxiety and almost encouraging it.
So immediately I began to believe I was healthy and happy and had no fears whatsoever. As cheesy as that sounds it has really worked for me, if I'm being negative at all I just take a breath and try to get back to the higher vibration. Listen to some positive music, be in nature or cuddle your pet (or a teddy bear!), it will all get you back to that positive mental state!

How could I be sad with this ball of fluff around?!

Keep a journal

Writing down and really exploring your feelings is so important! Of course I am able to do this on my blog, but I think having a diary or journal that's for your eyes only is extremely helpful. No judgement, no fears, just writing down whatever ramblings you have for the day or writing about your victories for the day, however big or small!
In my journal I write about all of my goals and my aspirations and I personally like to keep it as a positive space, because in reality it can be difficult to be so positive about yourself and to tell others about your crazy huge life goals, so it's great to have somewhere to write exactly how you feel!

My moon bear from Hanjipan designs

I know I can't tackle my demons overnight, but I'm willing to do everything in my power to live a life free of fear!

Please comment with any other tips or things that you have done that have helped with your anxiety, I would love to read about other peoples experiences!

Instagram @wolvesandflames

How I plan and organise...

Admittedly, I'm not always on the ball when it comes to organising my blogging and other aspects of my life, but the majority of the time I'm pretty good at sticking to a plan!

Here are some examples of how I stay organised and motivated to get things done...

Plan thoroughly

I honestly don't think there is an easy way to stay organised. For me the best way is to use my weekly planner and to literally break down every thing I want to get done in the day. I will be very strict with time restraints per task and I will highlight the most important tasks to get done.
Of course I won't always stick to the plan exactly, but usually I will make sure I'm getting the most important things done and then I won't feel as guilty!


Find beautiful stationary

I am obsessed with stationary, and personally I'm more likely to make plans, notes and sketches when I love the book that I'm writing them in. I never fail to visit Paperchase when I'm shopping (all of the photographed books I bought there) and so I'm always updating my notebooks and journals.
I've found it's important to update your notebooks every few months, even if you haven't used up all of the pages yet. Having fresh stationary will keep you motivated to write your schedules and keep on top of your notes.

Separate your notes

It is important for me to have separate spaces when writing down my notes.
I have my 2015 diary that I use to plan pretty much each hour of my day, I keep it quite structured and serious. That makes me more likely to stick to the plans!
Next I have my "Blog posts" notebook, I use this for scribbling down ideas, sketches and pretty much plan out all of my blog content. It is really messy, colourful and creative.
Lastly I have my grey journal, I use this as a diary and write down all of my thoughts and just generally write about what's going on in my life.
I absolutely love writing and I think that keeping a journal helps me to improve my writing skills and keep me in the mood to write and blog

Download the Wunderlist app

I am always most inspired when I am out and about having amazing experiences, but I don't always have a sketchbook or a notebook in my bag. That's why it's so important to utilise either the notes on your phone or to go a step further and download a list app like Wunderlist.

You can make separate lists, e.g work, blogging and home, and then all of your notes will be together in the same place when you need them.

This is what generally keeps me on track with blogging and with general day to day errands.

Please let me know if you have any tips or link me to any similar posts you have because I can always do with more motivation to stay organised!

Instagram @wolvesandflames