Recognize that change is always possible, even with chronic conditions like anxiety, as your relationship to the condition can shift and evolve over time, leading to a different experience.
Challenge the belief that you constantly need to become a ’next version’ of yourself or an ‘after picture,’ and instead recognize that everything you need is already within you, preventing you from losing yourself in endless striving.
Counteract the conditioning to constantly think about the future by practicing gratitude and appreciating what you have in the present moment, rather than always accumulating or striving for the next thing.
Stop believing that happiness will come only after achieving specific goals, as reaching successful stages often just raises the bar of your own happiness, making the achievement feel like a new normal without significant change in how you feel.
Avoid using or internalizing the phrase “man up,” as it can be toxic, often meaning “shut up” and implying weakness if one talks about their struggles. True strength can be found in facing difficulties, even when appearing vulnerable.
Understand that time, combined with neuroplasticity, means your brain literally changes with experience, allowing you to evolve and become a different person from who you were at your lowest point.
Regularly create dedicated spaces and times for yourself, such as doing yoga, reading, or running, where you are unplugged from work and worries, allowing you to simply “be” and disconnect in order to reconnect with yourself.
Incorporate physical activities like running into your routine, as it can be a massive help for mental health, providing a space away from stressors and a sense of control over physical symptoms similar to panic attacks.
Engage in yoga, even if initially for physical reasons, as it can have a positive “knock-on effect” on mental health by providing dedicated time for yourself and helping to slow down breathing.
Intentionally slow down your pace of life in various ways to counteract the stress and overload of modern living, which can often feel paralyzing.
To overcome anxiety and agoraphobia, one must continually face their fears, as this process can make a person stronger by forcing them to confront difficult experiences daily.
When someone is struggling, listen to them first, as it makes a big difference. Then, tell them they are not alone by sharing that others have similar experiences, as people appreciate knowing they are not unique in their suffering.
Resist the societal conditioning to constantly accumulate things, whether it’s steps, income, grades, or body measurements, as this mindset can make you feel like you’re not enough in the present moment.
When engaging in activities like walking, focus on the quality of the experience rather than solely on numerical targets (e.g., 10,000 steps), to avoid feeling insufficient if a specific number isn’t met.
Recognize that experiencing deep despair and pessimism can lead to a greater appreciation for things and a deeper understanding of oneself, fostering more happiness and gratitude in the long run.
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