I would say at least a couple of times a week I get messages from clients or DM’s on Instagram from people struggling with overwhelming feelings of anxiety and don’t know what to do. Usually it is happening right then and they are fighting off a panic attack and grasping for any straw that will take the discomfort away and give them control.
Here is just one example, often it goes on a bit longer and I continue to coach them through the breathing and positive affirmations until their bodies settle down.
I try to tailor my resources to the person as best as I can, even though often they are strangers. This person started the post out asking for prayer so I knew that he was believer and could use some material with that messaging.
Today, I want to share with you my go to content that I like to watch, listen to or read over and over again when I a feeling a bit overwhelmed, over stressed, out of control or just sad. It helps to keep an arsenal of these resources that you can pull out at a moments notice and just bathe yourself in for hours, days or weeks depending.
And just to clarify, 99% of the time when I say read, what I really mean is listen. I don’t read much anymore, but i listen to books all the time either through my library app or on Audible.
Books I love and listen to over and over! Here are just a few!
Rachel Hollis, Girl, Wash Your Face
This book really changed my life. She explains the lies she told herself throughout her life and how it affected her and what she did about hem. Very relate able for I would say just about everyone, as well as inspirational. She’s a wife, a mom, a business owner, a runner and she also suffered from some serious trauma in her life.
Jen Hatmaker, Of Mess And Moxie
Jen is hilarious and honest as she talks about her own personal success and struggles and her love for God. She is the mother of five kids and is completely open about the realities of motherhood. She is also super kind and compassionate of all people and goes above and beyond to help. She keeps it real and I love that, and she is so funny!
Annie F Downs, Looking For Lovely
Annie has an amazing way of making you feel beautiful and confident. She shares her own personal stories that will spark a trans-formative experience in anyone who listens. She talks about gratitude and love and seeing the beauty that is right in front of you.
Bob Goff, Love Does
This book is awesome! He is literally one of the most positive people I know and his books are so easy to read and follow and once again, relate able. He talks about love as an action word. He is hilarious, witty and he writes in a way that makes faith so simple and real. So this book is even for the non-believer. He talks about the trips he takes with his kids, the way he blesses random people and the annual parade he started in his neighborhood, just because.
TV and Movies I Watch As A Coping Skill
I don’t get to sit down and watch TV on the big screen from my couch anymore, but boy I sure can carry my iPad around with my drug of choice, Netflix! I love to watch Netflix while I am doing chores, making food and doing paperwork.
And when I am having an influx of “feelings” I like to use it to change my perspective, to laugh out loud when I feel like crying, and distract me from whatever luxury problems have reared their ugly head in my life! And I recommend this to my clients and friends often. Lets fill our minds with positivity and laugh our way into feeling better when the stress runs high.
Comedy is a great coping skill! Although some of it might be slightly inappropriate I feel like most of us can disregard the tiny part that is offensive and LOVE all the rest. And yes, you can be Christian and also hear swearing, sexual innuendos and homosexuality on tv.
Hey listen, I love Jesus, A LOT, but I also really like to laugh with shows like Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, Schit’s Creek, I’m Sorry, and comedians like Ellen, Amy Schuemer, Joe Rogan, Jim Gaffigan and Kevin James! ALL ON NETFLIX! And the movie Bridesmaids, never gets old.
I love to laugh out loud to the point of almost peeing my pants. And I am here to say, nothing can get you out of a bad patch like watching and re-watching or listening to your favorite comedy. God made people funny and we get to enjoy it! How awesome is that.
Podcasts
I also get a ton of strength, growth and comfort from podcasts like Pastor Rick’s Daily Hope, they are relatively short and usually in a series and so good! Also Annie F Downs, mentioned above has a podcast called That Sounds Fun.
I love The Next Right Thing!! SO GOOD! She has also written a book now which I haven’t read yet but I actually did buy. Her episodes are short and incredibly relevant and helpful. Anxiety Slayer is another helpful one that could benefit many who struggle with anxiety.
Mountain Christian Church (happens to be our church) also has a podcast where they load up the sermons each week and I’m not exaggerating when I say they are all awesome. So much wisdom.
I listen to tons of other podcasts, everything from being an entrepreneur to essential oils, you can literally find just about anything you want on podcast and its all free!
So next time you find yourself getting tangled up in whatever troubles life has sent your way pick a few things that really inspire you and also a few that make you laugh and then put them on repeat! Keep listening to those women (or men) that make you feel alive, supported, remind you that you are not alone, that you can keep going and that as the saying goes, this too shall pass.
Be sure to leave a comment and let me know you favorites so I can add them to my toolbox. And don’t forget to come hang out with me on Instagram and join my free private Facebook group, Heal Anxiety Naturally!
Until next time.