For the last few days I’ve been in a state I can only describe as blessedly stress-free.
On first thought, I have no idea how this has happened. A carry-over from my former line cook and barista days, being stressed out was my modus operandi. I bragged about my Eye Of The Tiger hustle, but the fever-pitch level of anxiety it engendered was unsustainable, physically and mentally. I strong-armed my way through waves upon waves of burnout in the food service industry. Stepping out into freelance writing, I was confident I could shake the anxiety snake for good. I was surprised that it followed me even here.
Stress and anxiety are no joke. For me it feels like a gnarled ball of cold and wet in the pit of my stomach. It feels like shallow breathing, and waking up at six already stressed about how little time I have to do ALL the things.
But recently, even though I have four big articles due by the end of the month (I’m shooting to get them all done before my birthday), I’ve been in such a calm state of mind. Yes, I have these big articles due. Also, it’s nothing I haven’t done before. I already know what the outcome is: I’m going to finish them.
It’s safe to say I’ve unlocked another level.
I also attribute my current mental and emotional state to meditation, Magnesium, and Holy Basil tea.
Most days of the week I start my day by putting on some hella woo music in my headphones, close my eyes and think about nothing for six minutes, pulling my mind to ground zero. I repeat as needed throughout the day. The effects are cumulative, but it works.
Natural Vitality’s Natural Calm, A Relaxing Magnesium Supplement, and Tulsi, or Holy Basil, tea have done wonders for reducing stress. I take the Magnesium supplement once a day, and Tulsi tea once or twice a day. Meditation, magnesium, and Tulsi tea are my new indispensable tools. With these three combined, I’m able to approach my assignments calmly. My focused hustle is still there, but the stress-pangs are gone.
Fingers crossed, this mood holds.
Have you tried any of these supplements?
What’s in your anxiety-busting toolkit?