Anxiety
You can do something you love and still get tired.
You can have the career of your dreams and still feel overwhelmed and stressed.
It goes without saying that 2020 has been insane. Some photographers are stressed with too much work while others are stressed with no work. Meanwhile, not one of us can emotionally keep up with news headlines.
Last week I was driving to a massage thinking “I don’t need this. I’m doing OK right now.” But ~maintenance~ is all about getting what you need before you hit a breaking point, right? I don’t need to be nearing a mental breakdown to allow myself some self-care moments.
I struggle with anxiety. To be candid, most of my anxiety is tied to my autoimmune disorder. If I am sick, I’m stressed that I’m sick. If I’m not sick, I’m stressed that I will be sick.
I spent most of 2016 in therapy (highly recommend) that led to me quitting my finance career. 2018 was definitely my worst year just because the transition to motherhood (and being a working mom) meant I was constantly pushed to my limit.
I was curious to know what y’all do to reduce stress. In case it helps a single person, here is my current list of “mental health maintenance.” With all of the turmoil and constant change I’m still doing so much better in 2020 than I was in 2018 and honestly attribute most of it to caring for my mental health before I hit the breaking point:
-
monthly massage + pedicure
-
weekly chiropractor
-
daily Bible reading (Bible in a year plan)
-
weekly bible study with my neighbors
-
daily journaling prayers/thoughts
-
3-5x a week Peloton yoga or strength workouts
-
1-3x a week riding horses
-
housekeeper 2x month
So I asked what y’all do to relieve stress. Here were some great responses:
- Hiking
- Drawing
- Taking Bubble Baths
- Time with Family
- Journaling
- Morning Walks
- Lash Extensions
- Manicures
- Cooking
- Reading
- Biking
- Planning Dream Vacations
- Baking
- Retail Therapy (Shopping)
- Wine
- Visit Family
- Buy Fresh Flowers
- Dog Park Trips
- Meditation
- Essential Oils (my favorite brand is Rocky Mountain Oils)
- Happiness Jar (write favorite memory from the day)
- Hand-Grazing Horses
- Driving with the windows down and the music loud
- Making Art
One of the most important things you can do for your mental health is to take inventory constantly. Become aware of what triggers your anxiety, and become aware of what decreases it. It has been important for me to name the causes of my anxiety and not necessarily avoid them, but work through them.
Need more help? I loved my counselor Renee from DFW Christian Counseling.
As I was gathering responses for this, Kaylan Smith replied that she is a licensed mental health therapist and Mental Skills Sports Coach who helps equestrians meet their performance and mental skills needs. She specializes in working with equestrian athletes from Working Hunter to Reining and is available remotely. You can contact Kaylan at determinedtoride@gmail.com
Stay tuned for guest posts from Kaylan in the future!
Kirstie Jones
fine art equine photographer
search the site
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
most popular posts
