With busy lives and big goals, feeling anxious from time to time is normal. It can also come from many places from school and work to dance and your personal life. However, with the right outlets, anxiety doesn’t have to be something that takes over your days. Here are some positive and simple ways to channel anxiety, from nervous energy to uncertainty about a specific event, into something healthy.
Be Creative
Creative expression can be overlooked as a way of making yourself feel better. However, it can be the perfect outlet for anxiety when talking it out feels impossible. Sometimes we don’t have the words for what we’re feeling or don’t feel comfortable saying it out loud. Writing poetry, painting, writing a song, choreographing a dance, and even journaling are great ways to turn your anxiety into action.
Try a variety of creative activities to experiment with how each one makes you feel. You may find that some activities match the moment while others don’t. Just remember that whatever you create should not increase your stress. You’re not out to create your masterpiece. You’re turning your anxiousness into something more fulfilling.
Go Outside
The phrase “be one with nature” exists for a reason! Just being in nature can bring a sense of calm and healing that can help when you’re dealing with anxiety. Peaceful natural places are the perfect spot for relaxation and reflection. Spend time in nature by going for walks or bike rides, planning a beach day, or even just sitting in the grass for a few minutes. Finding ways that you enjoy spending time outdoors might even include bringing your hobbies outside like painting nature scenes or going fishing.
Stay Connected
It can be easy to shut people out when your feelings get overwhelming. While it might feel easier to deal with things on your own, this is the best time to let people in. Sit down and have a cup of tea with a friend to talk about how you’ve been feeling, or call a friend you haven’t seen in a while just to have a conversation and laugh. Even if you don’t feel like talking about what’s causing you stress, enjoying people’s company can help your anxiety evaporate.
