So does my blood pressure
This is how I learned to dance with the devil that is my morning anxiety.
I used to hit the snooze button several times every morning to stay in bed up until the last possible minute before I had to get up. Now I pop up, wide awake, heart racing every morning usually somewhere between 4:00 and 5:30 before my alarm has gone off. Even though I might be tired and anxious, I have to get my shit together before 8:00.. okay fine, 8:30ish It’s not just work days, so I won’t blame my job for this one. It happens even when I’m looking forward to whatever I’m doing that day.
At some point I had enough of trying to get ready for the day with a nervous stomach, shaky hands (no good for eyeliner), and sometimes labored breathing, and I found a found a way to curb it. I figured I’d share my ideas that helped in case any of you are also have to tango with your own morning anxiety on a regular basis.
I used to hit the snooze button several times every morning to stay in bed up until the last possible minute before I had to get up. Now I pop up, wide awake, heart racing every morning usually somewhere between 4:00 and 5:30 before my alarm has gone off. Even though I might be tired and anxious, I have to get my shit together before 8:00.. okay fine, 8:30ish It’s not just work days, so I won’t blame my job for this one. It happens even when I’m looking forward to whatever I’m doing that day.
At some point I had enough of trying to get ready for the day with a nervous stomach, shaky hands (no good for eyeliner), and sometimes labored breathing, and I found a found a way to curb it. I figured I’d share my ideas that helped in case any of you are also have to tango with your own morning anxiety on a regular basis.
Check your calendar the night before.
I used to check my schedule for the day in the morning, but I was often tempted to check my email while I had Outlook open, which had a good chance of stressing me out before I could even get to work. Often I would accidentally start engaging with my email, which would fling me into work-mode long before I planned to be that day. So now I check my calendar at night to make sure I know if I have anything early scheduled I don’t want to be late for. Even if I do peak into my inbox in the evening, it usually isn’t filled yet with the early-bird concerns that are likely to flood in the next morning.
Somehow the sky is always yet never falling.
Don't watch the news.
I used to watch one of our local news channels every morning until I realized that most news is sad as hell at that time because all the bad shit happens around here in the middle of the night. So instead of listening to the never-ending stories of shootings, break-ins and house fires, I started watching shows that I know would bring me joy. I always want a surefire win, so I cycle between the oldies but goodies: Saved by the Bell, The Office, Seinfeld, Modern Family.
Find a laugh.
Some days I need more than a familiar tv show to set me straight, so I aim for something something bulletproof to make me laugh. If I have time, I’ll sit in the bed and watch TikToks. If I don’t have the time to sit around on my phone, I’ll listen to stand-up comedy on Youtube while I get ready.
I used to check my schedule for the day in the morning, but I was often tempted to check my email while I had Outlook open, which had a good chance of stressing me out before I could even get to work. Often I would accidentally start engaging with my email, which would fling me into work-mode long before I planned to be that day. So now I check my calendar at night to make sure I know if I have anything early scheduled I don’t want to be late for. Even if I do peak into my inbox in the evening, it usually isn’t filled yet with the early-bird concerns that are likely to flood in the next morning.
Somehow the sky is always yet never falling.
Don't watch the news.
I used to watch one of our local news channels every morning until I realized that most news is sad as hell at that time because all the bad shit happens around here in the middle of the night. So instead of listening to the never-ending stories of shootings, break-ins and house fires, I started watching shows that I know would bring me joy. I always want a surefire win, so I cycle between the oldies but goodies: Saved by the Bell, The Office, Seinfeld, Modern Family.
Find a laugh.
Some days I need more than a familiar tv show to set me straight, so I aim for something something bulletproof to make me laugh. If I have time, I’ll sit in the bed and watch TikToks. If I don’t have the time to sit around on my phone, I’ll listen to stand-up comedy on Youtube while I get ready.
Play with the pups.
I wish I liked anything as much as my dog likes chasing a tennis ball. When I have the energy, I’ll either toss it inside or in the backyard with him. This one helps you get moving in the morning if you’re also not one of those crazy people who get up and exercise every day. Speaking of, I’m sure that helps a lot of people with morning anxiety as well, it’s just not for me. Actually, exercise just isn't for me - in the morning or any time of day, as unfortunate as that may be.
I wish I liked anything as much as my dog likes chasing a tennis ball. When I have the energy, I’ll either toss it inside or in the backyard with him. This one helps you get moving in the morning if you’re also not one of those crazy people who get up and exercise every day. Speaking of, I’m sure that helps a lot of people with morning anxiety as well, it’s just not for me. Actually, exercise just isn't for me - in the morning or any time of day, as unfortunate as that may be.
Jam out in the car.
This one is not for the faint of heart or for people who can’t bear to hear anything of substantial volume before 9:00. Most mornings I blare my music in the car on my way to work. I usually pick songs I know the words to and that have a heavy/intense tone to jam to on my drive. Some of the go-to songs are Welcome Home, Black Hole Sun, In Bloom, and Bohemian Rhapsody - pretty much anything that would have been featured on early versions of Guitar Hero or Rock Band. The only downside is when I forget to turn the volume down before I get out - I get blasted when I turn it on at lunch or at the end of the day and I have to get pissed at my morning self for being so negligent. I should know my evening self hates most sounds.
The tips in this article are based on what works for me, but they might not be for everyone. There are tons of other techniques out there that you can try until you find what works for you. If you anxiety is severe or persistent, don't hesitate to seek professional help (more on that later). With a little effort, you'll be right back on track to start every day like the badass you are.
This one is not for the faint of heart or for people who can’t bear to hear anything of substantial volume before 9:00. Most mornings I blare my music in the car on my way to work. I usually pick songs I know the words to and that have a heavy/intense tone to jam to on my drive. Some of the go-to songs are Welcome Home, Black Hole Sun, In Bloom, and Bohemian Rhapsody - pretty much anything that would have been featured on early versions of Guitar Hero or Rock Band. The only downside is when I forget to turn the volume down before I get out - I get blasted when I turn it on at lunch or at the end of the day and I have to get pissed at my morning self for being so negligent. I should know my evening self hates most sounds.
The tips in this article are based on what works for me, but they might not be for everyone. There are tons of other techniques out there that you can try until you find what works for you. If you anxiety is severe or persistent, don't hesitate to seek professional help (more on that later). With a little effort, you'll be right back on track to start every day like the badass you are.
