Tips for managing anxiety: Highlights from Recovery Devon’s Mental Health Awareness Fair
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We had the privilege of participating in Recovery Devon‘s recent Mental Health Awareness Fair at Exeter Library to tie in with Mental Health Awareness Week 2023. The focus of the week and event was anxiety, and alongside numerous other organisations, we shared valuabe information and resources for individuals facing anxiety and other mental health challenges.
One of the interactive elements of the fair was our ‘anxiety board’, where attendees had the opportunity to share their anxieties and provide tips on how they personally manage anxiety. We received some really insightful tips and thought it would be beneficial to share some of them with you.
Strategies for managing anxiety:
Create an anxiety toolbox:
Creating an anxiety toolbox can provide you with a physical collection of comforting and calming items. Consider including the following:
- Your favourite music
- Pictures from happy memories
- Clay craft
- Essential oils or calming scents
- Inspirational quotes or affirmations
The items in your anxiety toolbox should be tailored to your personal preferences and what brings you comfort. Experiment with different items and see which ones resonate with you the most. The goal is to create a toolbox that offers a range of options for coping with anxiety and promoting relaxation.
Writing down your worries/journalling:
Experiencing times of high anxiety could mean you think a lot about things that worry or make you feel stressed. Taking note of what is making you anxious can help you spot possible triggers. Writing down positive experiences can also help you to remember to be kind to yourself and notice the good things too.
Looking after your body:
Taking care of your body can be a key contributor to your mental health. By making sure you are getting enough sleep, eating regularly, drinking enough water and engaging in physical activities, you can improve your mental health and general wellbeing.
Talking to someone:
Talking with someone you trust about your anxieties can provide a huge relief. If you don’t feel like you can open up to the people around you, our peer support groups are a safe and inclusive environment that allow people to come together, share experiences and discuss self-help techniques to maintain good mental health. Discover more about our peer support groups.
Breathing exercises:
Breathing can be a great way to help you feel more stable and secure in times of high levels of anxiety. Engaging in breathing exercises regularly can help you cope and feel more in control. Check out the NHS breathing exercises.
Anxiety can be a challenging and uncomfortable feeling, but it is also a normal human emotion that we all experience sometimes. Remember, you’re not alone, and it’s okay to ask for help. If you’re struggling with anxiety or any other mental health issue, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. It’s important to remember that we have the power to manage our response to it.
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