Real Reel: My Anxiety Lately || Updated Coping Techniques/Tools

Hi loves. I wanted to quickly write this post for you since I've been struggling with anxiety more recently than I have in YEARS. While I've dealt with anxiety and panic attacks since I was a kid, my recent panic attacks are as debilitating as ever and leave me feeling frustrated, confused and helpless. Some of my old coping mechanisms are not as trustworthy as they used to be, which has left me turning to new resources when I'm having an attack or pre-attack. 

Between planning a wedding, hunting for homes and running my own business, I guess it makes sense why my body is on stress overdrive. However, when I look at my day-to-day life, I don't feel like my stress levels warrant these frequent panic attacks. Which is where my frustration hits. I am so grateful to have a flexible job that gives me the opportunity to set my own hours and work from home, but I suppose it's the lack of stability (income) which is where the stress sets in. Anyway, I'm venting. I wanted to share my updated tools and techniques that I've been using more recently as I've been facing this new chapter of my life. I hope these help for you if you suffer as well. xo, AM

Ice Roller: You've heard me talk about this incredible tool in the past for reducing facial inflammation and helping with headaches, but I've been using my ice face roller when I'm dealing with a panic attack at home. For some reason, being really cold has always helped calm me down when I'm having a panic attack, and this face roller does just the trick. They are super cheap from Amazon. I'd recommend it to anyone. 

Wet Cold Neck Compress: This is an old trick, but similarly to being cold with the ice roller, I always put a cold compress on the back of my neck when I am anxious. It immediately calms me down and keeps my body cool. I tend to get really sweaty when I am anxious, so this helps combat those sweats.

Acupressure Mat: I've been using my acupressure mat for a couple years now to help with my insomnia, and it works like a dream. Part of my anxiety is due to the fact that my sleep habits are not great. I am a night owl, and laying on this thing really helps calm me down and quiet my busy mind. Mine is from ProSource (use my code AALLIE10 for 10% off their website).

Ashwagandha: I think it's no surprise by now that I am obsessed with adaptogens. My favorite brand is Sun Potion , which I've been using consistently for 2.5 years. Ashwagandha is a great adaptogenic herb to include in your daily routine if you face anxiety. Read more here.