10 Things to Do if You're Anxious (But you don't like meditating!)

Hi friends. How are you… genuinely? It’s ok to feel anxious right now. It’s a time of unknowns and unknowns can be scary.

I have had generalized anxiety disorder for most of my life. Although I do recommend meditation, I know from experience that it’s not always easy or helpful in the moment. So I thought I’d share a list of 10 things that help me calm my nerves when I feel anxious.

1. Clean something really well. Not in a bleach your skin off because we’re all going to die kind of way, just a casual, refreshing, deep clean kind of way. ✨
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2. Make a meal for someone you love (or even just someone you kind of like). 🥘⁠⠀

3. Watch a relaxing TV show. Put your phone in the other room, so you can’t “check it.” My favorites are Antiques Roadshow and Gardener’s World. They’re like a spa for my brain. 📺⁠
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4. Drink some water. You cute, but you dehydrated. (We all are.) 🚰⁠⠀

5. Plant something! Scientists have found a bacterium that lives in soil makes an anti-inflammatory fatty acid that can promote resilience to stress. 🌱

6. Have an attitude of gratitude by making a list of 10 good things in your life. 📝
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7. Eat something green. (Green jellybeans don’t count.) I’m talking veggies, folks. 🥗⁠⠀

8. Do something on your to-do list that you’ve been putting off. ✅⁠⠀

9. Wash your hands. Not in a hysterical way, just in a sing your favorite lyrics kind of way. Check out washyourlyrics.com to create your own poster with your favorite song. 👐🏼⁠⠀

10. Talk to a professional. We can all benefit from therapy and I’ll never step down from that soapbox. 📢⁠⠀

Feel free to share your favorite calming activities below so we can all benefit!⁠ And hang in there. We got this.

Melanie

10 thoughts on “10 Things to Do if You’re Anxious (But you don’t like meditating!)”

Catherine March 18, 2020 at 5:45 pm

Thanks, Melanie! I worked in the yard for awhile this afternoon and felt so much better afterward. Being outside and accomplishing something lifted my spirits.

melanie Post authorMarch 20, 2020 at 4:56 pm

Oh definitely! Being outside helps so much! I was thinking about you the other day! I’m going to send you an email!