Let’s be honest, anxiety sucks. It’s something most of us deal with in different ways and at different times. A little bit of anxiety is normal; it’s your brain’s way of responding to stress. But when it becomes too much, it can really mess with your life. The good news? Self-care can help keep anxiety in check and make life feel a bit more manageable.
Self-care isn’t just about spa days and mani pedi’s (even though those are magical!). It’s about intentionally doing things that take care of your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. It could be as simple as taking a walk, reading a book, or just pausing for a moment to breathe. It’s about giving your mind and body the care they need to be in good order.
Resilience
You might not realize it, but self-care helps build resilience, your ability to bounce back when life gets tough. Life is chaotic, and having routines that help you recharge makes it easier to deal with stress. Things like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga give your mind a break and help stop anxious thoughts from taking over. Even stepping away for a five-minute breather can make a world of difference.
Self-Awareness
When you slow down and give yourself time to reflect, you start to understand yourself better. Self-care routines like journaling or quiet reflection help you spot what triggers your anxiety. Maybe it’s work stress or social situations—whatever it is, recognizing these patterns is the first step to handling them better. Writing things down can help you track your emotions and remind you to focus on positive habits.
Self-Esteem
Taking care of yourself naturally boosts your self-esteem. When you invest in yourself, you feel better about who you are. Doing things that bring you joy, like hobbies, creative projects, or even just relaxing, releases feel-good chemicals in your brain. This positive neurochemistry can boost mood and confidence pushing back against the negative self-talk that often comes with anxiety.
Food Matters
Let’s talk about food because it actually matters a lot. Anxiety can mess with your eating habits. Sometimes, you’re raiding the pantry nonstop, and other times, you forget to eat entirely. Neither is great. Keeping your blood sugar steady by eating balanced meals and snacks helps regulate your mood. If you catch yourself stress-eating, maybe take a quick walk instead. Or, if you realize you haven’t eaten in hours, pause and fuel up. Listening to your body makes a big difference.
Breathing Exercises
Breathing can be a powerful tool. Seriously. Techniques like box breathing (inhale, hold, exhale, hold) or just sitting quietly and focusing on your breathing can calm your mind. Find a quiet space—your bedroom, a park, or even the bathroom if that’s all you have—and breathe. Listen to your heartbeat and let yourself relax for a few minutes. It’s a small thing that can make a big difference.
Get Active
Moving your body is a game-changer for anxiety. You don’t need to run marathons, even a 5-10 minute walk can help when anxiety starts creeping in. And hey, living in Colorado means getting outside is easy! Whether it’s a mountain view, a quick walk around a trail, or just taking a big breath of fresh air, moving around helps. If committing to a full workout feels overwhelming, start small with some stretching or getting away from your desk. Just getting up and moving can change your mood quickly.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Here’s the thing: self-care helps, but anxiety can still be a real jerk and hard to handle on your own. And that’s okay. You don’t have to go through it by yourself. Consider talking with a friend or family member that you trust, or putting your feelings into words with a counselor can really help. Evolve Counseling Fort Collins is here to help. We use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which is about identifying and turning those negative thought patterns around. It’s practical and hands-on.
CBT teaches you how to recognize unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier, more confident ones, helping you break the cycle of anxiety. Techniques like thought records, behavioral experiments, and exposure exercises help you confront your fears and develop better coping skills.
Imagine being able to pause those spiraling thoughts and choose a different reaction. CBT gives you the tools to do precisely that. And having someone by your side—someone who truly understands—makes all the difference. A counselor at Evolve can help you navigate stress and emotions in ways that actually work for you.
Who Can Help You With Your Anxiety?
You’re not alone in this. With the right support and self-care, anxiety doesn’t have to control your life. Evolve Counseling, located in Fort Collins is here to help.Lindsey Phillips, LPC, and Ben Smith, LPC, specializing in CBT and over 15 years of experience working with Colorado locals, can give you the help necessary to conquer anxiety.
