How Do You Unwind?

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Like many of you, I have the “gift” of anxiety along with my ADHD.

A few months ago, I was honored to be chosen as the Answers.com ADD Expert. So that meant writing an additional 20 articles each month in addition to this blog, my newsletter, and just life.

Then shortly afterwards my 90 year old, legally blind dad moved in with us. It’s been an adjustment for all of us and I’d be lying if I said that my anxiety level didn’t go up.

As a result, I’ve had to search out and actively apply new relaxation techniques. I thought I would share some of them with you in case you might need them.

Here they are in no particular order:

I get a manicure twice a month and a haircut once a month. I go to a really nice spa like saloon, with a very relaxed atmosphere. I get a hand massage with each manicure and a scalp massage with each hair cut. Heaven. Still working up my nerve to try a body massage.

I use some essential oils to help me relax. Some are blends that I bought at the salon and some are single oils of my own. I have one in a roll on bottle that is great when my neck and shoulders get all tight. And the other one goes into an unscented body lotion so I can get it’s full effects. Lavender or lavender mixed with eucalyptus are really good too.

I try to meditate and/or do some yoga as often as I can. I also use mantras to help me through tough times, just repeating them over and over to myself. Some of my favorites are ‘Things are not falling apart, they are falling into place”, “it is what it is”, and “there’s a plan, I just don’t know what it is”.

I get plenty of sleep and exercise has now become valuable to me and something I actually crave because it helps me work off the tension. Mostly I walk or jog. I would love to try a boxing class just so I could punch something, but I’m afraid I’m not in shape enough for that.

I’ve started journaling – getting my thoughts and feelings down. My friends appreciate this one cause they are no longer getting texts and messages from me on Facebook just ranting.

I put my priorities in order. I concentrate on what’s most important and let the rest go. There aren’t enough hours anymore.

I welcome times with friends, especially when they make me laugh.

I give myself permission to do things just because I want to do them. Taking care of myself is equally as important as taking care of my family.

And yes, full disclosure – I am seeing a therapist and taking a small dose of anti-anxiety medication as well. When your world gets flipped upside down, it’s OK to do what you have to do to get through it.

I hope you try some of these things and that they help. I recognize that my little pink pill and my therapist are the biggest reasons I’m feeling better, but the rest helps too.

Namaste.

Lacy Estelle

Lacy Estelle

Lacy Estelle is the writer of Lacyestelle.com and the Podcast host for An ADD Woman.

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