Can you believe it?
The air is cooling off, school’s back in session, and we’re racing toward another wild election season. And don’t even get me started on the holidays—time to prepare for those awkward family dinners and the 57th debate over who brings the stuffing. Meanwhile, I wake up earlier each morning with anxious thoughts about the world, my family, and the future. My brain holds its own early morning talk show with a monologue of worst-case scenarios. My body’s response? I turn into a hot mess—literally! My temperature spikes, my heart runs a marathon, my mind does laps, and my breathing turns into a shallow pant. The grand finale? A frustrated, short-tempered version of me who’s about as pleasant to be around as a hangry toddler. From TikTok to Tranquility: My Quest for a Calmer Morning with tips below.
Understanding Anxiety vs. Stress
Anxiety and stress are pretty similar; they’re like the chaotic cousins at a family reunion. Stress is more of a physical response tied to something short-term—like an unexpected work deadline or realizing you’re out of coffee (the true emergency). Once the issue is resolved, the stress usually eases. Anxiety, on the other hand, is that annoying friend who sticks around long after the party’s over, feeding you fearful thoughts without needing any outside trigger.
The Exhausting Cycle
I realized this anxious cycle wasn’t just unpleasant but downright exhausting. So, I decided to investigate—like an amateur detective with too much coffee. First, I looked at my morning routine. I used to start the day with prayer and reading, but I had gradually swapped that for scrolling through social media. Yes, I’ll admit it: I’m a sucker for TikTok. But as we all know, it’s not just funny animal clips. My feed quickly devolves into doom and gloom—because, you know, algorithms *get* us like that.
Assessing Media Consumption
Then I thought about my time in the car. Instead of jamming out to music, I’d become a true crime podcast addict, mixed with a heavy dose of political commentary and news. No wonder I was feeling like the world was spiraling! Finally, I analyzed my conversations with friends, coworkers, and family. The common threads? Talking about stuff completely out of our control. Suppose there’s a sure way to spiral into anxiety. In that case, there are endless debates over world events that no superhero could fix.
Making Positive Changes
Given all this, it’s no shock that I’ve been waking up with a knot of anxiety the size of a grapefruit. So, what’s the game plan? I’m not about to go full ostrich and bury my head in the sand, but I can make some simple changes:
1. Limit my caffeine: There is nothing like the smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning, but let’s be real; there’s a reason they put caffeine in all those sports energy drinks. I don’t know about you, but I can benefit from drinking more water.
2. Limit media time, Whether on TV, computer, radio, or phone. Because, honestly, do I need to binge-watch six seasons of “Breaking Bad” until 2 a.m.?
3. Be choosier about content: Just because something is trending doesn’t mean it’s good for the soul. And let’s face it, the more we see or hear something, the more it lodges itself in our brains like that one catchy song you can’t shake.
4. I add positivity to conversations, including topics like faith, sports, dreams, family, and good old fellowship. And if a conversation goes dark, I’ll gracefully exit like a magician, suggest a happier topic, or just awkwardly change the subject—someone’s usually relieved I did.
Finding Support
Anxiety is no joke, and it’s something we shouldn’t brush aside. These are just a few of the triggers I’ve identified, and tackling them is a journey—not a quick fix. I’m armed with a plan (and a better playlist). Suppose you’re struggling with anxiety and need some guidance. In that case, plenty of resources, like the counselors at Birthright St. Charles, can help steer you in the right direction.
