Wow! Can you believe how fast these 31 days have flown? We’ve reached the end of the 31 Day Anxiety Free Challenge, and I sincerely hope you’re feeling more in control of your anxious mind and that you’ve gained a toolkit of real strategies you can use to feel better despite occasional bouts of anxiety.

We’ve covered a ton of information in this short 31 days. You may need to go back through it to remember some of the advice and action steps. That’s okay. In fact, it’s really a smart idea to review the information from time to time so that you can keep your favorite strategies at your fingertips for use when you need them most.

No matter how much anxiety you’re facing, there are things you can do all by yourself to lessen it. Seeing a mental health professional is also recommended if you need expert guidance and support to handle your level of discomfort. But knowing that you have the power to lessen your own discomfort related to stress, anxiety or depression is very empowering.

You’ve learned what anxiety is, the ways it affects your brain and how to recognize it. That’s all a great foundation for understanding this toxic condition that can take hold of our lives. You also now understand the impact anxiousness can have on your job, relationships and overall happiness. It’s serious business.

You don’t have to feel overwhelmed, though, because you now know several coping mechanisms for diminishing those awful feelings that come along with anxiety. You can recognize it creeping up on you and know how to frame it in a realistic way. Strategies like deep breathing, exercising, visualization and eating well are things that can be used to maintain a more positive frame of mind with higher energy levels and to stop anxiety in its tracks when it catches you off guard.

Using calming techniques, taking control of your finances and environment, practicing gratitude and beating procrastination are also active methods to reduce anxiety. Finally, please remember that you don’t have to face anxiety and stress on your own. You have a God that is always there for you. His Word and Presence is with you today and forever. Rely on your support network of sisters and brothers-in-Christ to help you through the tough times. Get out there and be social, even when you feel overwhelmed by the world. As social creatures, we need to be around others. Let them help you, make you smile and heal you. Giving of yourself to others is also a way to lessen your fears and put things into perspective.

Which of these 31 days of exercises has resonated with you the most? Which seem like they will fit into your lifestyle and mesh with your personality? Which ones you will add to your anxiety toolkit first and always. When a strategy makes sense to you, it will be easier to implement. Once you begin to gain confidence and feel that you can impact the way you’re feeling, add some other techniques to the mix. Keep what works. Toss what doesn’t, after giving it a fair shot and practicing the method for a bit. I truly hope you feel more control over your anxiety and are ready to face the world with more confidence, peace and enthusiasm.

God loves you and I love you!

Reflect On How Far You’ve Come

Let’s take a quick walk down memory lane and browse through all the different topics we covered over the past 30 days. Here’s a quick rundown:

1.    Welcome And The Many Dangers Of Anxiety

2.    Anxiety Can Be Quite Debilitating

3.    The Physical Side of Anxiety

4.    Recognizing Anxiety Quickly

5.    Being Anxious vs. Anxiety Attacks

6.    Don’t Panic – Take A Deep Breath

7.    Ask Yourself: What’s The Worst That Could Happen?

8.    Breathing Exercises To Calm Your Nervous System

9.    Do You Have A Support System In Place?

10. Go For A Walk To Reduce Stress And Prevent Anxiety

11. Stress Makes It Worse

12. Is Mental Clutter Adding To Your Anxiety?

13. Create A Calm Down Ritual For Yourself

14. The Huge Benefits Of Meditation To Reduce Anxiety

15. Calming Scents That Mellow You Out

16. How A Day Planner Can Reduce Stress & Anxiety

17. Combat Anxiety With Regular Exercise

18. The Relationship Between Certain Foods And Anxiety

19. Using Visualization To Calm Down

20. Getting More Sleep Can Help

21. Gratitude Fights Anxiety

22. Have You Tried Yoga?

23. Practice Self Care

24. Find Your Spirituality

25. Skip The Caffeine

26. Get Your Finances In Order

27. Eat That Frog

28. Declutter Your Home

29. Get Social And Smile More

30. Bible-Based Techniques

31. Wrap Up 

What has had the biggest impact on you? What tips and ideas have you found the most helpful? Those are the posts that you want to come back to again and again.

Take a few minutes today to reflect on not only how far you’ve come, but more importantly how this simple 31 day challenge has influenced you and changed you for the better. What positive experiences have you had as a result of this challenge

 Be Refreshed and Blessed, always!!

Gratitude for what we have comes when we give. Need a gift idea?