How to Control Your Anxiety Level like a Boss
When you think about being in charge of something huge and massive, you think of a boss or a CEO. A boss mindset. A boss is in control. A boss who is calm under pressure. This person is successful because they can control their anxiety when under pressure.
Surely, you don’t think of me: a mother working from home, having virtual appointments, homeschooling 3 children, and doing all the other things that come with creating a functioning household.
But I am able to control my anxiety level like a boss!
*Most of the time.
Controlling anxiety is what it takes to create an environment you and your family can flourish in everyday! Controlling your anxiety to the extent where decisions can be made and you can get things done!
Mom Guilt
Rising anxiety levels may result from mom guilt. Mom guilt can develop for numerous reasons and at different times. Sometimes, I think I have conquered it completely and then it may creep back in. One of the activities I use to help me is journaling and using affirmations to return my focus back to my strengths.
Mom guilt defined:
- Some define it as guilt that becomes apparent when the mother has to work and take time away from her children.
- Some report it as guilt that comes when a mother does something besides work that doesn’t involve her children.
- Some state it as guilt that manifests when a mother compares what she is doing to another mother and looks down on her own decisions thinking that they do not measure up.
- Some define it as guilt that a mother feels when she is parenting and thinking that whatever decision she makes is going to be detrimental for her children.
The common denominator with all of the definition is that the guilt resides with the mother. The mother feels it everyday. It follows her into all her decision making and actions. It creates anxiety. You might be able to relate with the statements above.
Women and anxiety
Based information from the Mayo Clinic, over 3 million women suffer from postpartum depression every year in the United States. Women are also more likely to suffer from anxiety symptoms than men. So even if you are not a mother, you are still predisposed to anxiety just from being who you are.
Anxiety can take over your mindset. What can you do to help counteract anxiety’s effects? Self care!
Self Care for Anxiety Level Control
There comes a time when self care is indicated. You have to do it! Do not make everyone else a priority and then leave yourself at the end of the line.
You are important!
Your feelings matter!
Currently, I have focused self care on skin care. I have truly enjoyed using face masks at home and using exfoliating skin scrubs in the shower.
Here are 2 of my favorites:
*This post contains affiliate links. You may use these links to purchase items. I receive a small commission but this will not affect your shopping experience in anyway. See privacy policy for more information. I recommend items I have used; however please know that these are independent sellers and you may have a different experience with the items. You are under no obligation to purchase*
Long term effects of an increased anxiety level
Experiencing increased an increased anxiety level can affect your daily routine, but it can also contribute to long term effects that can negatively impact your health and mental well being. Living your life has challenges and requires your full attention. When anxiety plays a part in your routine, accomplishing tasks may become more difficult especially if the length of time your have to deal with anxiety symptoms
Some long term effects are:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Increased weight gain
- Increased risk of high blood pressure
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Weakened immune system
- Depression
Resources addressing the effects of increased anxiety
Effects of Anxiety on the Body
Stress symptoms: Effects on your body and behavior
National Alliance on Mental Illness
- If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, seek help. If it is an emergency, call 911.
- If you are looking for assistance that is non-emergent, reach out to the National Alliance on Mental Illness https://www.nami.org/help. The NAMI HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., ET.
- 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org
- You can also text NAMI at Text NAMI to 741-741.
- Connect with a trained crisis counselor to receive free, 24/7 crisis support via text message.
Your Next Steps
What do do when you feel your anxiety level begin to rise? How do you attempt to counteract its effects and decrease the amount of time you feel anxious?
Please share this post with one person you care about. We never know what can help someone else.
If your own anxiety level is high because your environment seems out of control, focus on things you can control like your own actions. If you have major decisions to make, utilize a process to help you decide like using a chart or creating a visualization of what your optimal outcome would be. Being intentional with decisions can allow you to feel more control over what happens. This feeling of control makes you the boss and decreases anxiety!
Be you, be focused, be well!
Find Your Flourish! |Shanna|
This blog focuses on helping you create an optimal life for yourself & family with a balance between professional life & home life- allowing you to excel in both areas without compromising one area over the other.
Read more posts here:
- How to Use Affirmations to Support Your Children
- How to Customize Your Morning Routine so It Works
- How to Discover Your Passion and Develop Your Midlife Business
- Mom [Boss]
- How to Identify and Set Intentions for Your Morning Routine
Thinking logically through situations in a positive way has always helped me with my anxiety.
Sarah- That is such a great tip. I am glad you have something that helps you deal with anxiety like a boss. It is key for mental and physical health. Thank you for your comment! |Shanna|
Mom guilt is so real and it gets amplified with anxiety!
Danielle- Yes, what you said is so true! I am trying to let other moms know that this is something we all deal with and hopefully provide ways that we can use to help us cope and flourish. Thank you for taking time to read and comment. |Shanna|
The very first thing that I do when I feel that my anxiety is going to rise is to stop myself for thw thing the I am doing. Second, breathe and think, third is to pray and lastly, is to execute the things that I need to do.
Gervin- Thank you for this comment and sharing! It is awesome that you have a strategy that works for you. I know that many people seek to find a balance for themselves. It is great when you are able to. |Shanna|
I struggle with anxiety. I’m on a low dose of meds that have really helped keep me regulated. I also want to start journaling again.
Monica- Thank you for your comment! I hope you got something out of this post. Journaling is great for giving you a snap shot of where you are now and how you change over time. I enjoy looking back at my past journals. |Shanna|
Mom guilt is so real! Definitely causes anxiety.
Brittany- The two do go together. Being settled in yourself does help decrease that anxiety but getting to that place is sometimes challenging. Thank you for reading! |Shanna|