Four Things That Help My Anxiety Tremendously

By Carolyn Ferguson

I’ve had anxiety all my life and began taking a small dosage of zoloft when I was twenty-two. I’ve never been too consistent with taking it (aside from pregnancy, a time of max anxiety for me), and recent bloodwork shows that I have chronic stress (not surprising). I have such a hard time slowing down—my mind is always going a mile a minute, and I often feel like I literally can’t sit still and focus. Maybe I can blame that on Instagram reels, but it started to really affect my prayer life.

So here’s five total break-throughs I had this past year that have helped me so much, and I pray at least one of them may help you too!

1) My acupuncture mat

Hear me out—I’ve been terrified of needles my entire life and NEVER thought I would even utter the word “acupuncture,” but turns out these mats are just prickly spikes. Does it hurt? At first, yes. But I was sad how quickly I actually got used to it.

Why it works: I set my phone on a timer for ten minutes and place it on my dresser, well out of reach. Then I lay on the mat with my bare back (not near as affective if you keep your shirt on), and breathe through the prickly pain until my entire back is flooded with warmth and my muscles relax. Not only has this helped TREMENDOUSLY when I feel bouts of anxiety coming on (and I can immediately put it in check), but I’ve also noticed a huge difference in my lower back and neck pain!

There’s a popular brand going around amongst Catholic influencers called Pranamat, but you know me—I’m cheap! This is the one I have from Amazon and it’s just $29.99! (P.S, this is the first time I’m trying out the Amazon affiliate program, so if you purchase through this link I think I’ll make a percentage of the sale).

2) Our walking Treadmill

Oh my dear husband, he insisted on buying this about a year ago and I was against it—but now I use it way more than he does! It especially helped during the winter when I needed quote — “to get my jits out” (a phrase coined by my brother-in-law that has always felt just too accurate). I often use it when I get home from work or periodically throughout the day when I’m working from home, and often it’s only for short bouts of ten minutes where I power walk a half mile. The best part is that it can roll right under our couch and out of site.

Why it works: It’s often hard for me to sit still, especially when my anxiety is making my heart race. Walking on this treadmill has helped me get nervous energy out so that I can slow down and focus on whatever task I have set before me. The best part? While these treadmills can go for mega bucks, ours was only $99 and it’s been perfect.

3) Knitting

I can’t tell you how much picking up knitting during the winter has helped me. Instead of fidgeting during our evening rosary, my hands are busy making a simple baby blanket for my niece. I’ve knitted baby sweaters in the past, but if you’re looking for something to help with your anxiety/new at knitting, I would recommend just doing a blanket because it requires zero thought!

Why it works: It’s helped my hands stay busy while my mind can slow down. Being able to do two things at once is satisfying to me, and it helps my mind realize that I’m indeed being productive while sitting still.

4) Morning Prayer

I owe Peter big time on this too. My New Years Resolution has been to do Morning Prayer, and I fluctuate between reading it and listening online here (if I’m listening, I’m usually knitting!). Part of my struggle with prayer life is all the choices before me—which spiritual book should I read next? Am I into it? Do I like it? No? I become frustrated really quick, and my poor habit crumbles.

Why it works: Morning Prayer takes the “guess work” out of prayer and becomes a sturdy routine that you never have to think about (if that makes sense). Oftentimes my anxiety can rise because my mind has so many options before me, and I’m calculating and planning, but there’s no thought process when it comes to waking up, making coffee, and doing Morning Prayer.

In Conclusion

I wish I had a fifth thing to really round this out, but I don’t want to just make up something. These four things have really and truly helped so much with my anxiety in a very real and concrete way. I’m purposely avoiding all of the more common things—cutting back on caffeine, going outdoors, etc—to hone in on specifics that aren’t shared as much. I hope this helps!