As you know the holiday season is quickly coming up. 

This year has flown by super quickly. 

Your mental health is super important. 

Some people can get a little anxious or stressed out during the holiday season. 

I am sharing my strategies that have helped me in the past as I experience anxiety and these strategies have helped. 

In no particular order, the strategies are: 

• Going outside and getting some fresh air, for example, going for a walk. 
• Listening to some music or a podcast that you like.
• Do some mindfulness colouring. 
• Do some meditation. 
• Write what you are grateful for. 
• Talk to someone.
• Making your favourite meal or drink.

Some of the sayings that I say to myself when I am anxious are: 

“Everything will be ok”

“Focus on the things you can control” 

“And breathe”

I have also created a set of cue cards to remind me of what my strategies/sayings are to help me as it is important to me to know how to manage my anxiety levels.

I have let people know about my anxiety symptoms and strategies so they can be aware of when my anxiety levels might rise and they can give me prompts for example: 

“Have a look at your cards”

I know that some people might not want to be told when they need to go back to their strategies, but I personally know it is a good idea for me to know when I am anxious as sometimes I am completely unaware of my being in an anxiety state (that’s what I call it). 

Most importantly if you or someone is struggling make sure to talk to someone who you trust. Whether this be a family member or friend. 

You are not alone. 

About the author:

Natasha is a young woman who lives with an invisible disability, She is a disability advocate who brings awareness and education around disabilities. She shares her lived experiences on social media. She is also a mobility scooter user, her mobility scooters name is Speedy T. 

@wheeliefunadventures on Instagram and Facebook