Anxiety is something I’ve been working on, and if there’s one thing I’ve recently learned, it’s that getting worked up only makes things harder. I’m still in the process of teaching myself to stay calm, to breathe, and to not let my thoughts spiral. They say you can train your brain to think differently, that with practice, you can manifest a more peaceful state of mind. I believe that, but I also know it takes time.
This morning was a test. I got on the bus, and almost immediately, I could feel my anxiety building. Normally, I have my music to help drown out the noise and keep me centered, but today, my earbud decided it needed charging at the worst possible time. Without my usual comfort, I had to rely on myself.
I turned to breathing exercises—slow, deep breaths in and out, focusing on nothing but the rise and fall of my chest. And you know what? It helped. Maybe not instantly, but enough to stop the spiral before it got out of control.
I’m learning every day. Some moments are easier than others, but I remind myself that staying calm is a skill, and like any skill, it takes practice. I don’t have all the answers yet, but I do know this: I can breathe, I can relax, and I can take things one step at a time. And that’s enough for today.