Morning Habits for Anxiety

Something that has become difficult since I have started living with an anxiety disorder is getting up in the morning. I was never someone who had difficulty or who is pressured by time, but that is now something that I deal with. It has been over five years since I have been diagnosed with anxiety, so I want to share with you a few of the things that I make sure to do every morning to try and help combat a morning time anxiety attack.

First thing I do is wake up way earlier than I need to be. I need plenty of time just in case I do have an anxiety attack, or if I just get overwhelmed by the morning and I need some time to not feel rushed. I try to start every morning by sitting in bed for a few minutes and slowly waking up, rather than just having to jolt out of bed, and giving myself plenty of time to not only do that but to have a full workout routine, to eat a full breakfast, wear clothes that I enjoy, all before leaving the house.

When I get out of bed and throughout my morning, I always check my schedule. I like to plan out the hours I’m not at work, so I don’t feel as stressed. Some days are more lax and lenient than others, but days I wanna work on content or that I have like therapy or volunteer work etc., I like to plan out and consult my schedule. I try to plan out by the hour or two hours so I can check just to make sure I’m good with time and that there’s nothing that I need that I have forgotten. This schedule also includes notes and a list for things that I need to remember since I experience a loss of memory recall due to my anxiety/depression.

The last thing I always have to do is make sure my space is tidy. I have always been someone who loves to clean, so if my space isn’t clean when I come home, I feel stressed. This obviously isn’t something that is always achievable, but I really try to make sure I leave my apartment looking nice - this being another reason why I like to have extra time in the morning, so everything can be put together in the case that I do make a mess which happens.

These are a few of the things that have helped me with my anxiety in the mornings. I know everyone is different, everyone’s needs are different, but these three things have worked for me as I continue to navigate my anxiety journey.

What are some things that I’ve worked for you all in the morning?

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