Back to Managing my Anxieties

It’s so important to look after yourself during challenging times. Anxiety and worry can often result in us feeling fatigued, irritable or restless and generally low in mood.

Take even just five minutes a day to do something nourishing for yourself. What you do depends on what feels most helpful to you- for some this might be listening to their favourite band or artist, reading a book or listening to a podcast. For others it might be taking a bath instead of a shower or just getting an early night.

Try and schedule something in once a day and think about things you can do both inside and outdoors.

• Pick up a hobby such as reading, sewing, gardening, drawing etc.
• Try these resources for creativity isolation
• Download a free audiobook from Amazon Audible
• Try this list of free boredom-busting resources
• Coping calendar

There are also lots of relaxation apps and exercises you can try to help with easing anxiety and staying calm. 

Apps

• Headspace. Free app with meditations, sleep, and movement exercises to help ease anxiety. Download for iOS. Download for Android.
• Calm. Mindfulness and meditation app with specially curated Coronavirus content. Download for iOS. Download for Android.
• Breathe2Relax. Stress management app with breathing exercises. Download for iOS. Download for Android.
• Mindshift. Free app for managing anxiety with strategies based in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. Download for iOS. Download for Android. 
• MoodTools. Free app with research-based strategies to help combat depression and alleviate negative moods. Download for iOS. Download for Android.
• Happify. Psychologist-approved mood-training with games, activities and gratitude prompts. Download for iOS. Download for Android. 
• Smiling Mind. Developed by psychologists and educators to help bring balance to your life. Download for iOS. Download for Android.

Useful links

• Free mindfulness resources
• Oxford Mindfulness Centre 
• Audio-guided meditation