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None of us know exactly what life is going to hand us. About eight years ago, anxiety became part of my story after I lost someone I loved. It’s not something I would have chosen, but over the years I’ve found a handful of little routines and comforts that help me through the harder days.
I mentioned in my very first post that flying is one of my biggest anxiety triggers, but anxiety doesn’t only show up when I travel. Sometimes it appears on an ordinary Tuesday for no obvious reason.
I definitely don’t have all the answers, and I’m certainly not an expert. These are simply a few things that have helped me over the years. They’re not a cure, and they don’t always make the anxiety disappear, but they often help me feel a little more grounded.
I’m not a mental health professional, and this isn’t medical advice. These are simply the things that have personally helped me over the years, and everyone’s experience with anxiety is different.
I should also mention that, for me, there’s a difference between anxiety and a full-blown panic attack. These are the things that help me when anxiety begins to build.
Knowing Someone Is There
One of the biggest comforts for me is simply knowing someone I love is available if I need them. Ironically, I usually prefer to be by myself when I’m anxious, but knowing I can call my husband, one of my kids, another family member, or a close friend if things start to spiral makes me feel much less alone.
BetterSleep
I’ve mentioned this before, but the BetterSleep app has become one of my favorite little comforts. I have no affiliation with them whatsoever, I just genuinely love their sleep stories. Even during the day, listening to one gives my mind something calming to focus on.
Walking Somewhere Beautiful
One thing that’s helped me more than I expected is walking on my treadmill. I use iFIT, which lets you “walk” in different countries around the world. There are even walks near my hometown in Germany and somehow seeing familiar places while moving my body helps settle my mind. By the end of a walk, I almost always feel a little lighter than when I started.
Sitting With It
Sometimes the best thing I can do is simply sit with it instead of trying to fight it.
I’ll curl up on the couch with my puppies, make a cup of chamomile tea in my favorite mug, watch a comfort show, or write in my journal. Writing has become surprisingly therapeutic for me. Some days I journal about what’s on my mind. Other days it’s recipes, wish lists, travel ideas, or random thoughts. Getting those thoughts out of my head and onto paper always seems to help.
Fresh Air
Even if it’s only for five minutes, I’ll step outside and walk around the yard or simply sit quietly. If the weather is nice, I’ll take a few slow breaths or search YouTube for a short, guided meditation. I don’t always finish it, but even a few minutes outside can help me feel more present.
One thing anxiety has taught me is that comfort looks different for everyone. These are simply the things that have become part of my own little toolkit over the years, and I hope maybe one of these ideas helps someone else, too.
A Few Comfort Items I Personally Love
These aren’t necessities, and they certainly aren’t a cure for anxiety. They’re simply a few things I’ve found comforting over the years. If you’re building your own little “calm kit,” these are some items I’d happily recommend.
Notebooks & Journals
I keep a few different notebooks and journals because they each serve a different purpose. One is for journaling, another for brain dumps, and another for lists, recipes, travel ideas, or even doodles when I need a distraction. Having a place to get my thoughts out of my head and onto paper has been incredibly helpful.
Shop the notebooks I use: Option 1 · Option 2
If you’d rather have a little guidance, I also really enjoy this guided journal. The prompts are short and simple things like writing an affirmation or listing a few things you’re grateful for. It honestly took me years before affirmations felt natural, but now I even keep one as the background on my phone.
My current reminder:
Peace over Panic. Progress over Perfection.
Shop the guided journal: View on Amazon
Breathing Buddha
The next item is called the Breathing Buddha. It’s designed to help slow your breathing with calming light cues. I actually keep mine in my bathroom and use it whenever I need a quick reset. I don’t use it every day, but even a few minutes of focused breathing can make a noticeable difference.
Shop the Breathing Buddha: View on Amazon
Origins Peace of Mind
This is actually still on my wish list, so I haven’t tried it yet. It caught my attention while I was reordering another product, and the reviews were very positive. Since I love calming scents and products that engage the senses, I’m looking forward to trying it. If I end up loving it, I’ll be sure to come back and update this post with my thoughts.
Shop Origins Peace of Mind: View on Amazon
Aromatech Lavender Essential Oil
I’ve recommended this before because I genuinely love it. In fact, it’s diffusing as I’m writing this post. Lavender has become one of those scents my brain immediately associates with slowing down, and this Aromatech oil has become one of my favorites.
Shop the lavender oil: View on Amazon
Coloring Books
Coloring is another activity that helps me slow down when my mind is racing. The funny part is that I can’t color or draw to save my life. That’s exactly why I enjoy coloring books. I especially love cozy little towns, peaceful landscapes, and relaxing scenes that let me focus on something simple for a while.
Shop the coloring books: Option 1 · Option 2 · Option 3
I hope a few of these ideas help if you’re navigating anxiety too. One thing I’ve learned is that everyone’s toolkit looks a little different, and that’s okay.
Maybe put together a small basket or box filled with the things that bring you comfort, whether that’s a journal, tea, a favorite candle, coloring books, or something completely different. Having those items ready can make it a little easier to reach for them when anxiety shows up.
I’d genuinely love to hear what’s in your own anxiety toolkit. Feel free to leave a comment or send me a message. I’m always looking for new ideas, and your suggestion might help someone else too.
