If you’ve ever experienced anxiety – you know the feeling. Life has slipped from being a series of enjoyable moments, into a heavy chain of dread, what if scenarios and panic. The negative thoughts are crushing down on your mind and leaving the house feels like too much effort. You’d rather build a blanket fort in front of the TV and block out the world. Thankfully, with a bit of perseverance and the right support, leaving the house when your anxiety takes over is not only possible; it’s 100% worth the struggle.

1. Schedule fun activities with friends

When the urge to isolate starts taking over, it’s time schedule fun activities with friends. Doing pleasurable activities and seeing friends is a power combo! Chances are, you’ll feel brighter and thankful for pushing through your comfort zone. After all, your blanket fort will still be there tomorrow.

2. Find a way to relax that works for YOU

Anxiety often pushes us away from the present moment. Your mind may be stuck in the past or a future full of worry, but either way, finding a method of relaxation that works for you will only create strength. Mindfulness is one nifty technique often used to centre yourself in the present. Next time you’re feeling anxious try and focus on your senses. List five things you can see, five things you can smell, five things you can hear and so on. This technique has the potential to pull your mind from worry and make you observe what is happening around you.

3. Visualise your anxiety as a story

Have you ever stood back and looked at your anxiety from a distance? Visualising your anxiety as a story is a fantastic way to step back and disconnect from your feelings and negative thoughts. Picturing anxieties as an outside also allows you to look at things from another viewpoint. Sometimes, a change of perspective is all it takes to move forward.

4. Take small steps – they all add up

Leaving the house may seem like too much of a feat, but small steps are always possible. Take the time to get dressed and prepare yourself to get out into the world. Even if you don’t make it out of your front door everyday, these small steps add up and the process gets easier every time you try. Don’t forget to celebrate these small victories too. Every little victory counts!

5. Look for the positives within the negative

We are constantly connected to technology, so next time you’re feeling on edge, consider writing a note in your phone or sending a text message to yourself listing three good things about your day. Focusing your mind on the positives within the negative is a great tool for fighting anxiety. You’ll also have a record of positive thoughts for future reference. We know these are not magical fix-all cures. Managing anxiety is a journey within itself. But hang in there. What you’re feeling right now won’t last forever!