I have anxiety. To put it bluntly, it sucks. A lot of people in the LGBT community are prone to or suffer from anxiety and depression, which also sucks. A lot of factors can contribute to it: your environment, your diet, your body chemistry, your schedule, your friends and family. Personally, my anxiety manifests in unfamiliar situations – which is not always ideal if I’m checking out a new restaurant, or store, or traveling somewhere unfamiliar.

In the video above, the lovely Arielle and her friend Kati talk their top ten tips to tackle anxiety. They bring up a lot of valid points and do provide useful suggestions: deep breathing, stretching, having a solid schedule to follow, getting away from screens (iPads, televisions, computers, phones), and keep your friendships healthy. Talk with your friends, your family – the people who are closest to you can often provide insight when you’re feeling anxious.

Perhaps the most important thing to take away from this is that you are always in control of yourself, even when it feels like you aren’t. There are always ways to keep yourself calm. So whether it’s yoga or a scheduled massage, lavender oil on your pulse points or a meal with your BFF, the most important thing is to remember that you are in control, and that you can simply take a break. Step away from whatever is causing you stress and go for a walk, do some stretches, talk to somebody. Hang up the phone, step away from the computer, and remember to just breathe.

Check out Anxiety Relief Tips – Part 1 here.