Hi, my name is Wonuola, I constantly battle with anxiety and I’m at that weird stage in your late 20’s where everyone is starting up businesses, buying houses, getting married but I’m questioning my career choice, my decision to move halfway across the world, heck I can’t even decide on what clothes to wear. The days are going by fast, and it feels like I’m running out of time. But the question is, who set this time and why are we in a hurry to reach a certain mark in life before a certain age. If you have the answer to this question please tell us in the comments, should I slow down and take a chill pill?

In a world that seems to be constantly on the move, staying productive and positive can sometimes feel like a battle. Add anxiety into the mix, and it can be even more challenging. One minute you feel completely normal & then suddenly a wave of sadness hits and you start to analyze everything wrong in your life. Things as little as why the taxi driver didn’t smile at you when you greeted them get to you and then suddenly you are convinced everyone in the universe hates you.  When it gets really bad, I find myself overwhelmed by the simplest things like responding to messages. P.s I’m not ignoring you, I’m just anxious.

 Staying Productive When Dealing with Anxiety

Real Life Tips for dealing with anxiety.

•    I take really deep and hard breaths and I tell myself that ‘I’m okay, I’m safe and I’m in control.

•  I regulate my temperature because anxiety attacks make the atmosphere really hot. So, I carry around my little fan for when that little demon tries to creep in.

• When I start to feel anxious, I run to my daddy Jesus because he is my safe space and he always come through for his baby girl.

•  I try to identify my triggers and work through them while being mindful and reminding myself that I control my emotions and not the other way around.

• I recently discovered that sugar and chocolate can trigger anxiety attacks, so when I feel anxious, I go over my diet and see if I’m having way more sugar than I should.

•   I take it all out by doing yoga and getting enough sleep. Those stretches from yoga, stretch the anxiety out of me.

•   Anxiety is weird and each episode for me requires a different approach. Sometimes, I break down and let the tears roll, sometimes I call my therapists or friends, other times I sit quietly and try to regulate my thoughts. Anxiety is all in your head, so you have to make sure your mind is stronger than your subconscious every time.

•  I drink. A glass of wine keeps the anxiety away.

•  I masturbate. It certainly helps me release the tension.

•    My primary source of anxiety in the life I’ve lived has mostly been towards school and exams up until this point and I’ve handled it by reminding myself I can’t fail and I’d always eventually put in the work. Other times I’m avoidant and I tell myself that’s future me problem. I’m sure that babe is tired of me by now, but she always eventually gets shit done. so, I trust her 🤭

I really enjoyed going over these tips and I find some of them rather interesting. *Side eye*

Mental Health Management and Productivity Tips

I also have some expert tips on how to deal with being anxious.

Acknowledge the Anxiety: First things first, we need to acknowledge that anxiety exists. Pretending it's not there won't make it magically disappear. It's like trying to ignore a dragon in your living room; it won't work except of course you don’t mind your house being burnt down. A few days ago, I broke down on my way home. I’m talking ugly tears, bawling eyes, nose running, throat tight with people looking at me crazy.

I realized that it was because I was doing everything to avoid and deny how I felt. I had found a way to convince myself that I had no right to feel the way I did because other people have it worse. But, in that moment, I just couldn’t hold it in anymore. So, don’t ignore your anxiety, instead greet it like an old friend, "Hey, anxiety, you're here again, huh? Well, guess what, I've got some plans today!"

Set Small Goals: If you are like me who tries to finish all 200 tasks at once, then you definitely need to pay close attention to this point. When anxiety is breathing down your neck, break your tasks into bite-sized pieces. Instead of trying to finish that 20-page report in one go, focus on writing one page at a time. Achieving these mini milestones will give a sense of accomplishment.

Create a Support System: When living with an anxiety disorder, it can happen anytime, but you don’t have to deal with it alone. Reach out to friends, family, or a therapist who can provide support and guidance. Sometimes, sharing your feelings can alleviate anxiety and help you stay on track. My friends are my unpaid therapists and if you guys are reading this, please don’t get tired of me.

Sensory Soothing: Create a sensory relaxation kit with items like stress balls, textured fabrics, or scented candles. Engaging your senses can be grounding and calming.

Journaling: Create a journal for your feelings and thoughts. This not only helps you express yourself but also allows you to gain insight into your emotions.

Self-Compassion: Be gentle with yourself, no one prepared you for what you are going through and you are handling well! Give yourself a big, warm hug, both figuratively and literally. Practice self-compassion by treating yourself as you would a dear friend.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense and release each muscle group in your body, starting from your toes and working your way up to your head. Snap those muscles, relax your chin, unclench your fists. Relax, you’ve got this!