How I Cope With GAD

First of all I am not a professional therapist but merely an individual who is living with constant anxiety and depression. These are just some ways that I cope with it all,


EXERCISE

I found that sitting or lying around just brings back your worries. When I started doing some exercise it helped keep my mind off things that troubled me. I go for half an hour on the treadmill or if it is a real nice day a walk around the block. I also started doing weights which helps me burn off some nervous energy. I have been trying to keep more active as of late.

PRAY

I should have included this first but I find prayer makes a big difference. I am for a few minutes a day at least and pray silently when I need to. If I can’t think of the words to say I sometimes will read from the Book of Common Prayer or the Lutheran Book of Prayer. Or I will find prayers online on various sites to recite. I will also from the Bible if I am feeling really anxious or nervous.

READ

Try finding a good book to read which I find often helps keeps my mind focused and away from my worries. It also keeps me mentally sharp. The types books I like are nonfictional ones Christian ,Canadian history, political and of course the Bible. Sometimes reading other people’s blogs helps as well.

LAUGH

The saying “laughter is the best medicine “ is so true.  I try to find some old comedy bits on YouTube or posts on Facebook that give me a good chuckle or I laugh so hard my sides hurt. Even a joke book can brighten my day.

TALK TO SOMEONE

It is not good to keep things bottled up and sharing things with someone close can ease the burden. It is usually my spouse who I talk and help set me straight. Also, a parent, friend, sibling or clergy can help.Even a talking to therapist can help you resolve some of the issues I am facing.


I just thought I would share this and hope that it can help anyone that is going through what I’m going through.