Does Everyone Hate Me and Am I Going to Die??? 😳 (PS #58)

5 unique tips for managing anxiety like a pro 💅🏽

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Hi friends!

For today’s Monday issue, I want to talk about anxiety. It’s something I’ve definitely experienced and had to navigate throughout my life, but today’s anxiety tips and write-ups are actually written by one of my best friends whose recent OCD diagnosis has altered her relationship to her anxiety and the way she manages it. She’s learned a lot on her journey and wanted to share it with you all today. Enjoy!

• Icing the Vagus Nerve

  • I first tried this in a bit of a desperate moment. I’d heard of icing your vagus nerve on TikTok, as people claimed putting an ice pack on your chest or back of your neck could help soothe anxiety and promote sleep.  And then, one day, when I was having a really bad anxiety spike, I ran to my freezer, pulled out a bag of peas, and tried it myself. As I rode the anxiety, I did eventually feel a wave of calm wash over me. And research backs up the efficacy of icing the vagus nerve as a way to relieve anxiety and fear, and promote sleep. I’ve since invested in these reusable ice packs, which are nice because the fabric makes one side more intensely cold than the other, and they’re soft and flexible, so I can fall asleep lying on top of them. The bottom of this article also includes some great research-backed ideas for other ways to stimulate the vagus nerve that doesn’t involve ice, so make sure to check that out as well!

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