Finding Peace from Anxiety and Addiction: Therapy @GainingGraceLLC

When we work in a negative environment, it can take a toll on us mentally, emotionally, and physically. Often, we feel stuck in a cycle of having to show up just to maintain our finances. This can be exhausting, especially when the job negatively impacts our well-being. Finding a new job may seem like the only way out, but that can be a daunting task in today’s job market. Fortunately, there are steps we can take to help ourselves along the way.

Back to the Basics

Sleep, Diet, and Exercise

When we’re not feeling well, a good place to start is our physical health. It’s often easier to notice changes in our body than in our minds. We can be mindful of how we are sleeping, eating, and moving.

Let’s begin with sleep. Are we feeling rested upon waking? Are we getting enough hours of sleep? Do we wake up in the middle of the night or have difficulty falling asleep? If we struggle with sleep, it often affects other areas of our lives. No one enjoys feeling tired, and we need rest to function properly.

Next, let’s consider our diet. If we feel fatigued and bloated, it could be due to how we fuel our bodies. Are we eating enough? Are we choosing whole foods? An unhealthy gut can bleed into other areas of our lives, impacting us mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Lastly, let’s think about how we care for our bodies through movement. Do we regularly exercise or get steps in? Exercise is one of the few self-care activities that instantly makes us feel better afterwards. It releases happy chemicals in our brains and provides clarity in our decision-making.

Setting Healthy Boundaries

Big companies often ask more of us without offering additional compensation. It’s crucial to create boundaries around our job descriptions. This clarity helps us understand what is expected and allows us to do our jobs well without bending over backwards.

When we continually compromise our boundaries—like staying late without pay—we build irritation and resentment. By sticking to our boundaries, we protect our mental health. It may feel uncomfortable, especially if we struggle with people-pleasing tendencies or a core belief of not feeling good enough. However, prioritizing ourselves and advocating for our needs will become more comfortable over time. We don’t want to risk becoming resentful and losing our passion for the work we do.

Quiet Your Mind

Outside of work, it’s essential to allow ourselves a full reprieve. Taking a break from checking work emails and phone notifications can be liberating. We can find self-care activities that help us quiet our minds. Our minds cannot be quiet while we’re consumed with anxious thoughts. When we create mental space, we find relief from anxious thoughts and gain clarity.

Implementing Joy in Our Lives

It’s vital to ask ourselves if we are experiencing joy in our daily lives. If not, we should begin to implement joy back into our routines. Life shouldn’t be made up solely of commitments and responsibilities. We need to enjoy our lives too.

What brings you joy? How can you incorporate that into your daily and weekly routine? Finding ways to experience joy can significantly improve our mental health and overall well-being.

Seeking Support

If you find that anxiety or addiction is impacting your life, seeking support can be a crucial step. Therapy can provide a safe space to explore your feelings and develop coping strategies. It’s okay to ask for help. Remember, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.

At Gaining Grace, LLC, we are dedicated to helping individuals, adolescents, and couples find peace from anxiety and addiction. Our telehealth therapy services are designed to support you wherever you are.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hey, I'm Brooke—a licensed anxiety and addiction therapist serving individuals, adolescents, and couples in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Florida. My experience brings both a personal and professional perspective to the work that I do with my clients. If you’re interested in learning more about the therapy process, I would love to schedule a free, ten-minute phone consultation with you! Let’s connect.