Dealing with Morning Anxiety

When I feel anxious in the mornings I just lay down listen to whatever songs I’m into. For a few mins just focus on my breath. But if I can’t focus on it I try and focus on the song I’m listening to, the lyrics, the beat or really anything. It sounds a little dumb (I’m not into meditation) but it honestly works for me.

Hey, is there anything specific that makes you anxious in the morning? In the past I felt anxious in the morning by the very thought of the day to come and all the plans I have and how I will make it all. For several years now every evening I have been planning the next day (schedule, food, clothes) so I do not have much to think about in the morning. In addition, if I feel very stressed and anxious, I perform breathing and a short mindfulness exercise that helps me relax.

For me sometimes when Im having those very anxious mornings it helps me to sit down and lay out my day step by step by step and then do a grounding technique and then after one final deep breath ill say to myself "okay, baby steps all you have to do now is get up, see you did that? Nothing to worry about Now youre just going to go do *insert task* just like you planned and youll take it one step at a time" and i will kinda walk myself through it mentally. I used to have very bad anxiety starting school every day and would do this to avoid full blown panic attacks

I often find that, combined with my ADHD, meditation isn't very useful for my morning routines. I get quiet, my mind starts to wander, and then suddenly I'm having a panic attack over something I said 2 years ago. If you try meditation and it doesn't work out, I would suggest the opposite: do something to keep your mind busy. Start the day with a sudoku or whatever flavor of puzzle you like. Warm your body up for the day! Dance or stretch. Movement always helps my anxiety.

I practice meditation and breathing every morning while still in my bed. It becomes my morning routine - after my alarm, I practice the same ritual every morning. After this routine, it's easier to get up and start the day more relaxed.

I know it's sort of a cliche answer but, I do guided meditation in the morning before I even get out of bed. It's actually helped a lot. Especially meditation meant specifically for anxiety. I've even been able to use the techniques for anxiety throughout my day some of the time.