How to Cope, Deal With, and Heal Health Anxiety
This is a page of notes written by myself in my darker days. I kept it by my bed as a reminder. Mindset: 1. Stop Viewing Through the Lower Self: If I view everything through the lower self, I will always feel anxious. Stop listening to the lower self. Allow something new. Stop trying to make the thoughts and sensations go away, it doesnāt work. Instead, observe. 2. Shift from Immediate to Long-Term Gratification: Avoid chasing immediate gratification. Seek long-term gratification: walking, listening to nature, birds, even construction noises. Allow the things that usually anger or frustrate me. 3. Observe Catastrophic Ideas: Spend more time observing catastrophic thoughts. When fear shows up, let observing show up too. This creates separation. Lose interest in fear through persistence. 4. Speak to My Lower Self Regularly: Talk lovingly to my lower self, itās trying to protect me. Reassure it: āLet me guide you.ā Donāt expect quick results. 5. Avoid Victimhood: Never allow myself to fall into a victim mindset (e.g., telling Gina how hard it is). Victimhood digs a deeper hole. Use words of command with my lower self: āIf I say itās difficult, it will be.ā 6. Let Go of Perfectionism: I donāt need to feel 100% to lead a fulfilling life. Let my body handle itself without interference. 7. Be Expressive, Not Repressive: Iām allowed to feel and be vulnerable. Repressing emotions has led to baggage I no longer need to carry. 8. Focus on the Good in Me: Focus on my strengths. Allow my body to heal when my catastrophic mind steps aside. 9. Connect With My Surroundings: Engage my five senses (touch, taste, hear, smell, and see). This shifts focus away from intrusive thoughts and what-ifs. Regularly focus outside rather than inside. 10. Be Flexible: Identify as someone flexible in how I respond to stressors. Life is challenging, but I donāt need to be rigid. Let perfectionism and inferiority leave. Remind myself: Iām flexible, fluid, and bendy.