Self-care Challenge- Day 18: Relief

Psychology Today defines relief as “a positive emotion involving a pleasant surprise and the release of anxiety.”

I like to think of it as the feeling when something makes our lives a little easier.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, over 40 million adults in the US have an anxiety disorder. That’s almost 20% of all US adults. I’m one of them.

In my opinion, a lot of anxiety can be managed with self-care and therapy. I’m one of those who also needs medication. When I was finally prescribed an anti-anxiety medication, the tightness I felt all over my body finally eased and I could breathe.

But it isn’t enough for me. I also need to practice yoga and move my body. I also need sunshine and nature. I also need water and good food. And even when everything is “going right,” I can still feel anxious.

When I’m having a rough day like that, I seek support. I ask my partner to take the kids out so I can have some quiet. Or we get dinner out so we can take that off of our to-do list. Sometimes, we let the kids stay up late because we need 20 minutes to read or draw.

These are all things that bring me some relief.

How can you find some ease in your day today? What brings you some relief?

If you’re interested in more info about the self-care challenge, check it out here.

Thank you!

^{((Cover Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash))}