Eight things you can do to manage anxiety on your own

Limit your news

Normally we spend hours a day looking at screens, whether it’s our phones or laptops. However, frequent notifications from news apps, social media feeds continually pushing new, potentially alarming and sometimes inaccurate information don’t help how we’re feeling.

Plan a time that you want to find out what’s going on, and stick to it. Additionally, if you’ve got a handful of people on social media who are making you feel anxious for now, then mute them if you don’t want to hear them at this moment. In summary, if this means putting your phone away for a few hours, then do it. Our advice — don’t look at your phone just before bed!

Read a book

Whether you’re looking to join the rather unpleasant Mr and Mrs Dursley of number four, Privet Drive, or exploring the early life of someone you admire in an autobiography, nothing can beat those quiet times when you escape from reality and lose yourself among the pages.

Get comfortable and curl up with your favourite book and you’ll feel much calmer. Could this be part of your new bed time routine?

Take a walk

There are so many benefits to exercising that you know already, but make sure this is first on your list of things to plan in every day. It’s a perfect chance to clear your head, get some exercise and remember that there’s a world outside your home! With Hyde Park, The Hollies and other green spaces nearby if you live in Leeds, you’re spoilt for choice. If you can’t get out and walk, then if you’ve got a balcony or yard your access to the natural world and sunlight are essential.

Music can change the world

Beethoven was right when he said music can change the world, and even though he wouldn’t have been checking out his Discover Weekly playlist or dropping some sick beats on GarageBand, you can. Don’t just go for tried and tested boring playlists over and over — branch out and listen to something new!

If you play an instrument, or have always fancied learning one, then this is your time. You’ll be the life and soul of the party in the future with your sultry jazz bagpipe grooves.

Exercise at home

There’s so much online about exercise, and at times this can be a bit daunting, particularly if you’re not someone who is able to take part, or feels uncomfortable. Some of you probably already follow online workouts or do your own programmes, but if you’re new to this, find something that works for you. Lots of apps are free — so get researching, and get moving — with those feel-good endorphins flowing through your bloodstream, you’ll feel lots better!

Make a routine of the normal things in life

Building a daily routine can help our mental health by giving us more control of events, cope with change, form healthy habits and reduce our stress levels. Creating a new routine gives you a chance to prioritise self-care, and ensure the important things have enough time.

Start with writing a list of the things that are important to you — what you have to do, such as taking a shower, eating meals and exercise, and then begin fitting the other things around them. How is it looking? Don’t be afraid to make changes if it’s not working for you, and remember that this is yours — you don’t have to copy anyone else!

Listen to a podcast

Maybe you’re always that person with your AirPods in, listening to the impossible stories of Fake Heiresses or wondering whatever happened to pizza at McDonalds, or you’ve never really got round to it.

Those who regularly listen will tell you about how you learn new things, get to multitask, become better listeners and gain new interests. Whether you’re looking for something to throw yourself into with numerous seasons, or a more quirky or funnier 20 minute break, it’s definitely worth trying something new if you’ve not tried it before. If you’re a regular listener, why not go off-piste and try something completely new?

Start a new hobby

If you’re one of those people who shudders at the question “what do you like doing in your spare time?” and can only think of …er…. watching telly or still playing Fortnite, then this could be the perfect opportunity to broaden your horizons.

Be realistic, you won’t be knitting your best beanie ever first time round, or knocking out a breathtaking self portrait done in oil paint immediately, but with some practice and time, you’ll quickly find you’re on the way to mastering something new. Whether it’s learning how to cook, expressing yourself with drawing or graphic design, to mastering magic tricks or learning to dance, chances are YouTube or other online tutorials will have you move from beginner to advanced fairly quickly if you put the time in.

These are things that you can do on your own. Remember that talking with family and friends about how you’re feeling is important, and can help you get a balance and perspective. If you feel you need more help, look at Big White Wall. The service provides 24/7 online peer and professional support, with trained counsellors. It’s a safe space online to get things off your chest, explore your feelings and learn how to improve and self-manage your mental health and wellbeing.