coping with anxiety.

This post is going to get a bit personal so please escape while you still can. 

One of the reasons why I have avoided my blog for basically the entire summer is because I have been coping with chronic anxiety and depression. I know that there are many people out there like myself that are quite introverted and do not necessarily know or have the skills to cope. Over the past few months, I have tried a few techniques that I have found uplifting and gave me that extra boost I needed.

1. Hobbies. A lot of people assume that photography is my occupation but it is actually a side hobby. I just graduated with my degree in biology and am currently transitioning to applying for graduate programs and working basically full time. I found that working and studying take so much time away from photography so I decided to donate more of my time to photography even if it means fewer work hours. And although I may not be making as much as I could I found that I am overall happier I can bust out my camera or even iPhone photos whenever I got the chance to. I've met some very encouraging friends and I've been constantly supported by my boyfriend. I'm starting to take on more bookings and actually making time to go out and even shoot with film again. Lesson learned, don't stop doing what you are passionate about.

2. Yoga + Exercise.  I might not exercise every day but I get myself to run to the beach a few times a week. I am not as active as I was in high school but the reality is that although it is tiring, some physical exercise gives you that mental boost you need. My best friend always motivates me with exercise tips that work for me. Sometimes finding people who have a similar goal helps you motivate one another. I have gotten into the habit of doing yoga almost every day whether it is for 15 minutes or an hour and if I really have the energy I would start pilates for that extra exercise. I am not 100% caught up but I also started the Kayla Itsines workout back in May. Although I do not follow it every day just doing it every other day works perfectly.

3. Reading. Okay, first of all, I am very picky about what time of genre to read. I generally enjoy psychological thrillers when it comes to reading out of interest but do not be afraid to start small. I'mm keep up with issues of Kinfolk, which promotes simple living and more. Their most recent issue 16 is one of my favorites which talks about a sense of belonging, essentials and taking life as it comes. I also want to recommend a quick read that I finished in 25-30 minutes called A Short Guide to a Happy Life by Anna Quindlen. Find small ready to stimulate you mentally if you cannot bring yourself to do something physical.

4. Talk. Talk your heart out. I have learned this the hardest way by making the mistake of constantly keeping to myself. I am telling you now that it is okay to ask for help. You are not a burden unless you constantly tell people that you are. People will listen and the right people will stay. I made the mistake of keeping this to myself and the result was an outburst of thoughts that were not mine. It takes a toll on you and I know that if you are anything like it, it is difficult to reach out. Do your best and do not give up. Talking it through is another step to understanding one's self.

Lastly, I would like to conclude this post with my favorite quote from Anna Quindlen's novel:

"Life is made up of moments, small pieces of glittering mica in a long stretch of grey cement. It would be wonderful if they came to us unsummoned, but particularly in lives as busy as the ones most of us lead now, that won't happen. We have to teach ourselves how to live, really live... to love the journey, not the destination"