Learn how to help anxiety with a holistic approach from personal experience. Discover the power of medication, trauma work, yoga, and healthy habits in managing racing thoughts and creating a calmer, more balanced mind. Explore personal insights on the journey to mental well-being and the importance of a supportive environment in this comprehensive guide to easing anxiety.
Sometimes my mind runs a mile a minute, and it’s exhausting to try and keep up. Always planning, anticipating the next obstacle, solving the next problem, or ruminating about the past. It had always been that way for me. Until I was properly medicated, I never realized just how debilitating it had been.
What Didn’t Help, and What Made It Worse
“don’t worry about it”
One of the most common pieces of advice I received was to “just not worry so much.” As well-meaning as this suggestion might be, it often felt dismissive. Telling someone with a racing mind to stop worrying is akin to telling someone caught in a storm to simply ignore the rain. It disregards the depth of the struggle and the complexity of the emotions involved.
If I could stop worrying, I would do it in a heartbeat. If only they had seen me on the sleepless nights or frantic mornings. I would’ve traded so much to simply not worry about it.
toxic relationships
Being in toxic relationships was another major factor that exacerbated my anxiety. Interacting with individuals who were manipulative, unsupportive, or critical only added to my stress. Even those relationships that were supportive on the surface were ultimately negative. This included friends who would engage in rumination with me, hyping up my irrational thoughts and sharing their own with me. These relationships drained my energy and reinforced negative thought patterns, making it even harder to find peace. Cutting ties or setting boundaries with toxic people was difficult but necessary for my mental health and well-being.
drugs & alcohol
In an attempt to cope with my racing thoughts, I turned to substances like alcohol, excessive caffeine, and marijuana. Despite the temporary relief they seemed to offer, these substances ultimately made my anxiety worse. Alcohol and caffeine are known stimulants that can heighten anxiety symptoms. Marijuana, often touted as a relaxant, contributed to increased anxiety and paranoia over time. No matter how much marijuana advocates tried to tell me it would help, it only worsened my mental state in the long run. Quitting these substances was challenging, but it was crucial for my mental health. The benefits were profound, as I experienced a significant reduction in anxiety levels and a clearer, more focused mind.
What Did Help My Anxiety:
Medication and Professional Support
The turning point for me came when I finally sought professional help and was properly medicated. It was only then that I could truly comprehend the extent to which my overactive mind had been affecting my daily life. The right medication provided a necessary foundation for stability, allowing me to approach other aspects of healing with a clearer perspective.
This wasn’t so easy to acquire though. I wrote in-depth about my journey with medication, and how it’s so important to advocate for yourself throughout the process. The first medication I was put on helped only a little bit, and I didn’t know what to expect from medicating. I was also still using marijuana regularly at the time, so it was hard to tell what effect the medication had on my mental state. Once I was sober, I tried a new medication, and it made all the difference for me, allowing me to lay the groundwork for new healthy habits.
Trauma Work: Healing the Past
Addressing past traumas through therapy was another crucial step. Working through old wounds allowed me to release the hold they had on my present thoughts and behaviors. Understanding that not everyone was out to get me and that I wasn’t always in danger was a revelation that eased much of my chronic anxiety. Learning to distinguish between safe environments and unsafe ones allowed me to free my focus and maintain my peace.
I’ve been in EMDR therapy for over a year now, and during that time, I’ve unraveled a lot of stuck emotions and memories. I won’t lie, it’s been a serious upheaval, but a life-changing one. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) has helped me confront the traumatic experiences that had been quietly influencing my thoughts, emotions, and behaviors for years. By reprocessing these memories, I’ve been able to reduce their emotional charge and reframe them in a way that no longer dominates my present.
One of the most significant changes has been the ability to remain present. Instead of being pulled into the past by unresolved pain, I can now stay grounded in the here and now. This newfound presence has brought a sense of peace and clarity that I hadn’t experienced before. It’s like I’ve finally been able to let go of a heavy burden that I didn’t even realize I was carrying.
Yoga: Reconnecting with My Body
This shift towards being present naturally led me to explore other practices that could support this sense of grounding. Yoga became a vital part of this journey. Through yoga, I found a way to connect with my body in a way that complemented the mental and emotional healing I was experiencing. It wasn’t just about physical exercise; it was about cultivating mindfulness, embracing stillness, and learning to listen to what my body and mind were telling me.
Yoga offered me a space where I could slow down and tune into the present moment, something that my racing mind had long struggled with. The focus on breathwork and mindful movement helped me quiet the mental chatter and develop a deeper awareness of my physical and emotional state. Each pose is an opportunity to observe and release tension, both physically and mentally. The practice of holding poses while focusing on my breath allowed me to stay grounded in my body, creating a sense of stability and calm that carried over into my daily life.
Over time, yoga became more than just a practice; it became a form of self-care and a sanctuary from the stresses of daily life. The combination of physical movement, breath control, and meditation allowed me to reconnect with myself on a deeper level. It taught me to be patient with my body, to accept where I was each day without judgment, and to appreciate the small moments of peace that came with each practice. This reconnection with my body not only supported my mental health but also enhanced my overall well-being, creating a harmonious balance between mind, body, and spirit.
Safe People: Building a Supportive Environment
Surrounding myself with safe people was transformative. Being with individuals who were understanding, patient, and supportive made a significant difference in my mental health. They provided a sense of security and comfort, making it easier to manage my racing thoughts.
In a world where it often felt like my mind was in constant overdrive, having a network of safe people became my anchor. These were loved ones who didn’t judge me for my struggles or dismiss my concerns. Instead, they offered a listening ear and a comforting presence. Their patience and understanding allowed me to express my thoughts and feelings without fear of being misunderstood or criticized. This kind of support was invaluable, especially during moments when my anxiety felt overwhelming.
Creating this supportive environment wasn’t just about the people around me, but also about setting healthy boundaries and recognizing who truly had my best interests at heart. I learned to distance myself from those who contributed to my stress or undermined my efforts to heal. This shift allowed me to cultivate deeper, more meaningful connections with those who genuinely cared for my well-being. Having a circle of safe people gave me the confidence to navigate my mental health journey, knowing I wasn’t alone and that I had a solid support system to lean on when I needed it most.
Healthy Habits: Establishing Stability
Incorporating healthy habits into my daily routine also contributed to my overall well-being. Regular sleep patterns, balanced nutrition, and consistent self-care practices helped create a stable environment that supported my mental health. Establishing a routine gave me a sense of control and predictability, which was crucial for managing anxiety. By prioritizing sleep, I noticed a significant improvement in my mood and mental clarity. Balanced nutrition provided my body with the energy and nutrients it needed to function optimally, which in turn positively impacted my emotional health.
Self-care practices, such as journaling, meditation, and setting aside time for relaxation, became essential parts of my routine. These habits allowed me to recharge and reflect, creating moments of calm amidst the chaos of daily life. Over time, these healthy habits became the foundation upon which I built a more stable and resilient mental state. They provided me with the tools to navigate challenges with greater ease and to maintain a sense of balance even when life felt overwhelming.
If you’re looking to begin your health and wellness journey, my Mind Body Whole Wellness Workbook is a fantastic place to start.
Physical Exercise: An Outlet for Racing Thoughts
Physical exercise became an essential outlet for my overactive mind. Whether it was running, hiking, or even a brisk walk, the physical exertion provided a release for my pent-up energy and racing thoughts. It allowed me to channel my mental activity into something productive and beneficial for my body. The rhythmic nature of physical movement helped me focus and brought a sense of calm that I struggled to find elsewhere.
Exercise also had a grounding effect, bringing me back to the present moment and helping me reconnect with my body. The endorphins released during exercise acted as a natural mood booster, reducing feelings of anxiety and stress. Over time, I found that regular physical activity not only improved my physical health but also became a key component of my mental wellness. It provided a healthy way to manage stress, clear my mind, and maintain a more balanced and peaceful state of being.
Conclusion: Creating a Calmer Mind
The journey to managing a racing mind is multifaceted and deeply personal. It requires a combination of medical intervention, therapeutic work, physical activity, and a supportive environment. Through medication, trauma work, yoga, and healthy habits, I found ways to calm my mind and embrace a more peaceful existence. While the journey is ongoing, these strategies have provided a solid foundation for living with a calmer, more balanced mind.
What I’ve learned through this process is that peace doesn’t come from trying to eliminate every anxious thought or perfectly control every aspect of life. Instead, it’s about finding the tools and practices that allow me to navigate my thoughts with greater ease and compassion. It’s about recognizing that my mind may still race at times, but now I have the ability to bring it back to a place of calm.
As I continue on this path, I remain open to new methods and practices that might further support my well-being. Each step forward is a testament to the power of resilience and self-discovery. By prioritizing my mental health and surrounding myself with supportive people and habits, I’ve created a life that feels more manageable, fulfilling, and aligned with the peace I’ve long sought.
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