Anxiety is a real monster that effects hundreds of thousands of people all over the world. It can often manifest into physical symptoms that aren’t fun to have to deal with. Personally, my brand of anxiety makes me literally feel like I’m having a heart attack. Certainly not ideal, and it’s a fear that becomes more realistic as I age.
But over the last couple of years of having Generalized Anxiety Disorder, I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way. So if you’re someone who has anxiety issues, or you just lead a stressful life and you need to decompress, here’s a quick trick I like to pull on myself.
Two words. Bob Marley.
I’ve been a fan of Bob Marley’s music for a very long time. In fact, I love the whole reggae genre in general. UB40, Big Mountain, Inner Circle. I love em all.
I came up with a rule for myself a long time ago, long before ever developing an anxiety disorder, that it’s against the rules for me to be upset when a Bob Marley song is playing. That little “made-up” rule of mine has helped my attitude in general for years. In a bad mood? Play some Bob Marley, chill for a second, and let his words speak comfort.
They say that repeating a bit of a mantra can help pull you out of an anxiety/panic attack. So as I was diagnosed with this crappy disorder, coming back to Bob was my natural response. And like so many times in the past, he’s gotten me through.
When I feel an attack coming, I’ll start singing “Three Little Birds”. Sometimes out loud, or sometimes just in my head. It’s helped me, perhaps it can help you to.
Maybe Marley isn’t your thing. Maybe reggae isn’t your thing. But I’m sure you can find a similar tactic.
Be well, my friends. And don’t worry about a thing, cause every little thing is gonna be alright.
