The Anxiety Adventure: Let's Explore!

So, you’re here. Maybe you’re scrolling through your phone, heart doing a little tap dance in your chest, or maybe you're curled up under a blanket wishing the world would just... Either way, I see you, and I get it. As a counsellor, and yes, I’ve been on that anxiety rollercoaster myself.

Let’s be real: anxiety is a total party crasher. It’s that uninvited guest who shows up just as you're about to relax, whispering doubts, turning butterflies into full-blown pterodactyls, and generally making life a smidge more colorful than we’d prefer.

And let me tell you something, it's totally normal. We live in a world that’s constantly buzzing, demanding our attention. It’s no wonder our nervous systems sometimes say, "Okay, I'm done, I need a nap, preferably in a hidden bunker."

Here’s the truth: You’re not alone in this. Anxiety doesn't discriminate. It doesn't care if you're a CEO, a stay-at-home mum, a student, or a superhero in disguise. It impacts all kinds of amazing women – women who are juggling careers, relationships and family.

So, what do we do about it? We don't just embark on the anxiety adventure, we learn to navigate it like the amazing woman that we are. Think of it as… a thrilling journey of self-discovery, where each challenge reveals more about ourselves than we knew before.

Let's ditch the guilt and grab some tools:

• The "I'm Allowed to Feel This" Mantra: First off, it's okay to feel anxious. Stop beating yourself up about it. You’re not broken, weak, or dramatic. You're a human being experiencing a normal (albeit sometimes annoying) emotion.

  Repeat after me: "I'm allowed to feel this." Seriously, say it out loud. Feels good, right?

  
  

• The Breath is Our BFF: When the anxious waves hit, our breath is our anchor.

  Try a simple box breathing technique: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. Repeat. It’s like giving your nervous system a little hug. And who doesn't love a good hug?

  
  

• Movement is Medicine (and Fun!): No, you don’t need to run a marathon. A gentle walk, dancing in your kitchen to your favorite guilty pleasure song, or even a few stretches can work wonders. Movement helps move that built-up energy and releases all those happy chemicals.

  
  

• The Power of Connection: Call a friend who makes you laugh. Cuddle your pet. Human (or animal) connection is a superpower against anxiety. Let's not isolate ourselves

• Self-Compassion is Non-Negotiable: Talk to yourself like you would a dear friend. Would you tell your friend they are a failure because they felt anxious? Absolutely not. So, stop doing it to yourself. You are doing your best, and that is enough.

• Find Your Joy Anchors: What makes your heart sing? Is it painting, reading, snuggling with your cat, that perfect cup of coffee in the morning, or a good laugh with a loved one? Make time for these things. They're like little lifeboats in the sea of anxiety.

Okay, but what about the hard days?

Yeah, those happen. Some days, the anxiety adventure might feel more like getting lost in the woods. And that’s okay, too. On those days, be gentle with yourself. Maybe all you can do is get out of bed, and that's a victory.

Here's the deal:

We're not aiming for perfect, anxiety-free lives. That’s a myth. We’re aiming for balance, self-compassion, and the ability to navigate the anxiety adventure with grace and strength.

So, let’s raise our imaginary glasses to:

• Real emotions (even the uncomfortable ones!)

• Self-compassion

• Finding joy in the everyday

  
  

Now, go forth and be your amazing, wonderfully imperfect self!

CELIA MOURIER

Counsellor & Coach