Overcoming Anxiety…Or convincing it to take a nap?

Anxiety is like that one friend who shows up uninvited, eats all your snacks, and then criticizes your life choices. And by “friend,” I mean relentless brain gremlin who insists you might spontaneously combust if you don’t double-check that email one more time.

Hi, I’m Meg, and I had CRIPPLING ANXIETY. If you’re reading this, you probably do too — or you know someone who does. Either way…its not a fun club to be in is it? There are no jackets in this club. But there is solidarity (and maybe snacks, if Anxiety hasn’t eaten them all yet).

It literally took over my life. For a while I was convincing it to “take a nap”. In other words, I was doing what I could to push it aside and tame it just a bit, but never truly overcame it. I didn’t just want to overcome it…I wanted TRUE FREEDOM from it. Let’s chat a bit to get on the same page, and then I’ll share step by step how I was able to free myself COMPLETELY from this nasty beast we call anxiety.

Name it, Shame it, Tame it.
First, acknowledge it. Anxiety loves to lurk in the shadows. The second you say, “Hey, I see you,” it loses some power. I like to give mine a name. Mine’s called Carl. When Carl starts telling me I’m going to fail spectacularly at something very normal, I say, “Thanks, Carl. Noted. Now go sit in the corner.”

Breathe Like a Fancy Yoga Influencer

Sounds cliché because it works. When Anxiety gets loud, your body forgets how to breathe like a human. Try box breathing: inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. Repeat until Carl gets bored.

Do Literally Anything

Anxiety wants you frozen. Trick it by moving — take a walk, clean your room, dance badly to your favorite song. Doesn’t matter what. Motion reminds your brain that you’re not trapped.

Talk to Someone (Not Just Carl)

You don’t have to fight your brain gremlin alone. A friend, therapist, or group chat can help you get out of your own head. Sometimes saying “I’m spiraling” out loud makes the spiral lose its momentum.

Have Grace with Yourself

Seriously. This one is the hardest. You’re not broken because you have anxiety. You’re a human with a super-alert brain that’s just a little too helpful sometimes. Be patient with yourself. Carl means well — sort of.

Smell Your Way to Sanity (Aromatherapy)

Before you roll your eyes — yes, sniffing stuff can actually help. Certain scents (looking at you, doTERRA Balance and doTERRA Adaptiv Blends) can calm your frazzled nervous system faster than you can say “essential oils? Seriously?”

Just open a bottle and take a whiff. It’s like telling Carl, “Hang on, I’m busy smelling this flower — we’ll panic later.”

Feed Your Second Brain (Gut-Brain Connection)

Fun fact: your gut and brain are basically BFFs who gossip constantly through something called the vagus nerve. If your gut is upset, your brain probably is too — and vice versa.

Translation? Treat your belly kindly. Eat real food (some veggies wouldn’t kill you), hydrate, maybe throw in some probiotics. Sometimes, calming Carl down starts with not surviving on coffee and cold pizza alone. When I healed my gut with doTERRA supplements (and a serious change in my food intake. goodbye gluten and sugar!) is when I started seeing SERIOUS changes in my mental health.

Phone a Higher Friend (Faith-Based Counseling)

For some people, talking to a therapist who shares their faith can be a game changer. It’s like combining brain science with a spiritual pep talk — the best of both worlds.

Faith-based counseling can help you tackle anxiety with practical tools and a reminder that you’re not alone, no matter what Carl says. Whether it’s prayer, scripture, or just having someone who gets where you’re coming from spiritually, it can be a real comfort when your brain gremlin won’t shut up.

If it feels right for you, look into it — you might be surprised how helpful it is to have both professional help and a little divine backup.

Looking for one on one support? Schedule a free chat here https://www.besimplybalanced.com/connect

Looking to get started with some aromatherapy and deep breathing? Get my at cost pricing here… https://link.doterra.com/GyQvOp

Faith based counseling (in person and virtual) : https://lifecentergr.org/

Wanting more? In depth learning opportunities here: https://www.besimplybalanced.com/events-classes