* Accept your boundaries and limitations.
I learned I needed to set my limits. And to be self-aware of when I was reaching them, which meant listening to my body’s physical cues, such as fatigue, irritability, anger and excessive worry. Accepting my limitations and establishing my boundaries has significantly helped me reduce my panic. It also helps me to actually enjoy what I’m doing at any given moment.
Learn what you can handle and don't force yourself into situations that push you further than you’re comfortable being pushed. It’s okay to say no.
* Find your peace.
Most kids are loud. When you have anxiety the constant noise and activity around you can get overwhelming quickly. Seek out something to include in your daily routine that brings you peace. Whether it’s reading, crafts or a long shower, find it and make time for it every day (or as often as you can).
* Take medication if you need to.
Taking medication is not failure. If your doctor or mental health professional suggests that you should take medication, it’s important to consider it. We live in a society where if you take medication you're often judged as having taken the 'easy way out.’ The fact is there is no easy way out of anxiety. Sometimes you need to take medication to control your symptoms so you can function. This does not make you weak or lazy, it simply means you have a condition that requires this form of treatment. Don't let anyone make you feel guilty for that.
* Allow others to help you.
Why should we need child care when I was a stay-at-home mother? That's my job, right? Looking back, it was money well spent. I needed a break. They all enjoyed the change of scenery and making friends. It was a win-win that I didn’t need to be so hard on myself about.
* Allotting yourself grace.
Anxiety is messy. Trying to be perfect imperfect things is something I wasted too much energy on. Forgive yourself for not meeting your own high expectations and move on. Your kids will not remember that you didn't make picture-perfect dinners. They just want your presence.
* Have animals around.
Pets have such a power to bring calm. Dog,Cat,bird,
* Accept your bad anxiety days.
There are some days where nothing, no amount of deep breathing, music or pets will get me out of my anxiety spiral. When this happens, all you can do is accept it, adjust and don't judge yourself. When this happens to me I bow out of just about everything. It's necessary care for an illness. In hindsight, I wish I had given myself more patience and less self-criticism and negativity about having to take time for myself. We are all just doing the best we can, and you don't have to apologize for that.
@ Learn stress management techniques
It can be very difficult to communicate a sense of calm to your child when you are struggling to cope with your own anxiety. A mental health professional can help you work through methods of stress management that will suit your specific needs. As you learn to tolerate stress, you will in turn be teaching your child—who takes cues from your behavior—how to cope with situations of uncertainty or doubt.
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