My name is Adrienne, and I suffer from anxiety.

I have always been the shy type, but for me the idea of talking around multiple people can feel overwhelming. 

I sought counseling for my anxiety and my therapist asked me the last time I remembered feeling calm. The vision of a younger me appeared drawing, coloring, and being ‘creative’. I suddenly realized after that therapy session that I hadn’t been creative in years as I got wrapped up in my adult, everyday life. I started to find my creative side again in different ways shortly thereafter, and it helped me tremendously. 

I’m not saying creativity will rid anxiety and I’m currently still on my anxiety medication. However, my advice is to take time to “tune out” of everyday life and do something that calms you. Maybe it’s a workout, reading a book, yoga, volunteering etc. I think it’s very easy to get wrapped up in all of the distractions of everyday life and it’s important to remember that it is not being selfish to take time for ‘you’. 

My anxiety is always with me, however, I wanted to share this simple, yet important piece of advice to other people who struggle with anxiety. 

Wishing you find your balance. - Adrienne, TN

YOUR MESSAGE- “tune out”.