How I Strategize and Respond to Anxiety

In this post, I want to share how I’ve managed anxiety over the past few years by recognizing triggers, adjusting routines, and incorporating intentional strategies to maintain emotional, mental, and financial well-being. While I’m not a professional health advisor, my hope is that these insights encourage you to reflect on your own journey and discover what works best for you.

If you’re someone who has recognized the need for additional support and manages anxiety with medication, I want you to know—I’ve been there too, and you are not alone. My suggestions are simply a reflection of what has helped me; they are here to offer support, not to advise anyone to stop their current treatment. 

I’ve found that asking the right questions can shift my mindset from feeling overwhelmed to finding solutions. This approach has made a significant difference in how I manage anxiety, as it creates space between the emotion and my thoughts—allowing for reflection rather than immediate reaction. In many ways, I believe this simple strategy has helped me regain my sense of calm time and time again.

1. What Does My Morning Routine Look Like?

Without a doubt, my morning routine sets the tone for the rest of the day. It’s natural to feel a bit rushed first thing in the morning, but I’ve learned to give myself options for how I ease into the day. If I can start with a creative outlet—whether it’s reading, writing, or simply enjoying my black coffee—I notice that prioritizing creativity helps me feel more grounded. It gives me a moment to check in with myself before external demands take over.

🔖Prioritizing Creative-Centered Actions First

From there, I incorporate movement in a way that feels right for me, whether it’s gentle yoga, taking a few deep breaths, or simply stretching before stepping into the day’s responsibilities.

In the past, my mornings looked different, especially when my children were younger. Over time, I’ve learned the importance of reassessing my routines with each season of life, making adjustments that better support my current needs.

2. What Am I Eating, and How Does It Support My Health Journey?

Although I had already made intentional shifts toward healthier eating habits a few years ago, I realized there was still room for improvement. I focused on reducing my sugar intake and incorporating more anxiety-supportive foods into my meals. I also came to understand the importance of meal consistency—having structured breakfast and dinner routines has helped me feel more balanced overall.

🔖Nutrition Changes That Supported My Wellness Journey in 2024

There’s something about anxiety and hunger cues that can easily become dysregulated, making it harder to recognize what my body truly needs. By giving myself a variety of nourishing options, especially during times when my mood fluctuates, I’ve found it easier to redirect my thoughts and calm my nervous system.

3. Where Am I Overthinking or Being Over-Responsible?

Overthinking is a common experience, and it’s often the easiest to catch. Over time, I’ve learned to redirect myself when I start to spiral with a firm, “No, not today,” or “Not right now.” But what took me longer to recognize was my deep connection to over-responsibility—a pattern that played a huge role in how anxiety showed up in my life.

🔖Understanding the Weight of Over-Responsibility: A Trauma-Informed Perspective

I’ve come to realize that my struggle with over-responsibility was deeply tied to an imbalanced sense of self-reliance—a belief that I had to handle everything on my own. Growing up, I learned to equate vulnerability with shame or manipulation, making it difficult to recognize when something wasn’t actually my responsibility. I wasn’t avoiding help; I just couldn’t always discern what was truly mine to carry versus what was out of my control, belonged to someone else, or was something that could have been shared with a trusted person who would have been open to assisting—if I had just let the need be known.

🔖Hyper-Independence and Trauma: What's the Connection?

Now, when I notice myself falling into this pattern, I pause. If I’m in the middle of something, I finish the current task but stop myself from automatically taking on more. Instead, I ask myself: Am I taking responsibility for something that isn’t mine? If the answer is yes, I remind myself that vulnerability isn’t a weakness—it’s clarity. From there, I either release it, communicate my limits, or shift my focus to something that nourishes me, whether that’s journaling, resting, or simply allowing myself to be supported in ways I once resisted.

Photo by Darlene Alderson

4. Am I Too Overstimulated by Technology?

Technology can be both a powerful tool and a major source of stress. With social media pressures, endless streams of information, and the expectation to maintain an online presence for networking and connections, it’s no surprise that overstimulation is a constant challenge.

The quickest way I’ve found to regain balance is to limit my exposure to online stimuli. This means taking extended breaks from certain platforms, deactivating accounts when needed, or removing apps from my immediate reach. I’ve also made a conscious effort to reintroduce offline activities, like going to the library to read and study topics that interest me, rather than overindulging in digital resources.

In situations where I need to be online—such as when searching for career opportunities—I’ve set firm boundaries to prevent overwhelm.

5. How Am I Challenging My Belief Systems?

Over the past few years, I’ve been paying closer attention to old beliefs and narratives that no longer serve me. This includes reframing my internal self-talk and exploring new forms of spiritual growth beyond the rigid and unsustainable grip I once had on traditional biblical principles—some of which I discuss in more depth in this video.

What I believe about myself and my place in the world directly shapes how I perceive my life and circumstances. With so many challenges already beyond my control, why allow my inner belief systems—something I do have control over—to create even more stress and worry? 

Photo by cottonbro studio

6. How Am I Maintaining Emotional and Mental Health?

Maintaining emotional well-being requires consistent self-check-ins. I’ve learned that when I go too long without the right outlets for the season of life I’m in, my emotional and mental health declines quickly. This became a cycle I had to break. It also ties back to what I mentioned about over-responsibility in my fourth point—taking on too much unnecessarily led to emotional instability and mood swings.

Now, I maintain a regular rotation of personal check-ins and therapeutic outlets while keeping professional support—like counseling and coaching—within reach when needed. I start with what’s closest to me and within my control, such as expressing my creativity, staying connected to family and friends who truly get me, and incorporating online talk therapy. I also follow inspiring emotional and mental health coaches for additional knowledge and support.

🔖A free way to track your emotional health that I’ve used in the past is the free version of MindDoc.

7. How Am I Managing Financial Matters During Times of Uncertainty?

Financial uncertainty can be overwhelming, and I fully acknowledge the reality of layoffs and economic stress happening right now. I’m not a financial advisor, but I’ve come to recognize certain fundamental truths about stability and money. Whenever I face financial challenges, I start by grounding myself in the present moment with these essential questions: Is my rent or housing secured today? Do I have food today? Am I appropriately clothed for today?

This check-in helps me assess my most immediate and vulnerable needs. If those are met—regardless of future uncertainties that can heighten anxiety—I remind myself to focus on this moment while figuring out my next right step. Whether that means seeking assistance, adjusting financial habits, or exploring available resources, I approach it one step at a time.

During a relentless two-year period of financial hardship, I developed a resource that helped me sustain a basic level of stability. While it’s not a long-term solution to every financial challenge, it provided crucial support when I needed it most. If you’re facing similar struggles, you can download it for free from my digital shop. Learn more about it here.

Why all these questions matter.

Answering and giving myself options within these seven recurring themes in my own personal journey through anxiety has created a much more manageable and healing space for me. I haven’t needed medication for quite some time. However, should I feel the need to revisit and consider medication as part of my journey, I will certainly do so. Now, I also have additional strategies to support my journey through these seven approaches.

Now, I’d love to hear from you—how are you managing and healing in your own journey? Are you someone who is more prone to anxiety? Do any of these strategies resonate with you? Feel free to leave a comment or personally message me in the box below!

Here are some actions you can take next on this blog:

• I encourage you to check out the Simple Living, Creativity, and Community pages, where you can find ideas and resources I'm exploring this year.

• I'd love to have you learn more about and sign up for my newsletter email list that will relaunch in 2025.

• Stop by my YouTube channel @creativelifebynherie where I share life, creativity and intuitive tips connected to a thriving creative journey.

• If you need to get in touch with me, just follow the instructions on the contact page.