If you live with anxiety, then you know it’s an ever-present struggle. The constant ruminating that never relents. The familiar feeling of dread that seeps into your mind when you wake up in the morning. The Sundays spent going over the coming week so you’re prepared for anything.
And what’s the one thing well-meaning friends and family say that also happens to be the one thing that won’t work: “Just relax!”
The irony is that for some people, the act itself of trying to relax can be a source of even more stress.
I recently came across an article in Healthline on “stresslaxing” — or stressing out about being unable to relax — that talks about this exact struggle. The article lists various techniques for ultimately finding relaxation, including:
- Striking a balance between work and home
- Meditation
- Deep breathing
- Grounding
Experiment until you find something that works for you. Remember, from books and websites to counseling and support groups, there are countless resources available to help you create a little peace for yourself. You are not alone. The struggle is real, and you’re not the only one in it.