Anxiety in my body feels like a whole body clench. I stop breathing, my muscles tighten, and I feel panic. So not really a great time! Over time I’ve realized a few things that have helped me during an anxiety attack and put them together in a toolkit.

Today I want to share what’s in my anxiety toolkit. It started off as a sober toolkit but has morphed into more of a general anxiety toolkit consisting of things that encourage and comfort me when I’m feeling anxious.

You’ll notice there is something for multiple senses – something to read, something to smell, and something to touch. That’s for a purpose! My body and sense tend to shut down when I get overwhelmed and this helps to bring me back.

Reminders

I wrote these affirmations to help me choose healthy ways to cope when I’m feeling anxious rather than reaching for a glass of wine or tub of ice cream. I also consider them reminders of what’s important to me and what I value, which I can often lose sight of when I’m in a highly uncomfortable anxious moment.

Essential Oils

I included essential oils in my kit because I know that activating the senses can help to distract myself when I’m in the middle of a high anxiety moment. These oils are blended to help relieve anxiety, nervousness, tension, over-eating, and depression. It’s also just a nice little thing to do for myself when I’m feeling anxious.

Crystals

Having crystals gives me something physical to hold which can be comforting. As I mentioned before, working with my senses helps to ground me and bring me back from an anxiety attack. Regardless of whether or no crystals really “work” I find them comforting and beautiful which are two great feelings to have when anxiety comes around.

Affirmation Card Deck

I picked up this deck of affirmations because I struggle with speaking positively to myself. In the middle of an anxiety attack it’s hard for me to draw on my inner strength, so having something outside of me speak positively and encouragingly is helpful.

Final Thoughts

One in every 3 adults in America will struggle with anxiety but more than half will never seek or receive any type of therapeutic or medical support or treatment. Dealing with an anxiety disorder, in my experience, is significantly harder on your own. I encourage you to reach out to a professional in your area to get the support you need. Living with anxiety doesn’t have to be insufferable.