I have high and low seasons with anxiety. However, the past couple months I've been practicing a couple things weekly that have really helped quiet my mind. Anxiety is scary, but I do believe there a few ways we can minimize the chaos in our head...

When my emotions are high, I find myself very tired. So naturally, I told myself that "I need rest." Then, I ran into a problem. I'd get home from work at 5pm, fix dinner, see my boys, and lay in bed to watch tv. I started to noticed it would be 9:00pm and I'd still feel tired.

The rest helped me and hurt me. When I begin to tell myself, "At 8:30pm, we're getting up. We don't have to clean, but we need to move our body and find something to do." This really changed things for me. I would end up taking a hot shower, doing dishes, or starting laundry anyway. Good things, like rest, in balanced increments has helped my anxiety slow down.

I am not someone who gets up at 5:00am. I am a total night owl these days! That being said, I don't have a structured devotion routine in the morning. I'll journal twice a week, but it's rarely ever at the same time.

Lately, when I head into the office and get there early, I'll get out my Jesus Calling book. I've been keeping it in my purse and it is so powerful to read, especially when you only have three extra minutes.

I could feel like a hot mess and their devotions can ground you so quickly. Reading a couple pages a week before work has helped me significantly in staying calm. It makes me feel more confident in who I am and what I can do. 

About twice a week, I spend time writing. I can say whatever I want and once it's on the paper, it's less likely to stress me out. It's like talking for five minutes nonstop without annoying your best friend because it's just your journal, lol.

I have found so much healing in writing. It reminds me that emotions are just right now, not forever. When I write about something I'm anxious for, I scribble out all the details. "I don't like this. That is confusing. Could I have responded better?"

Once I've fleshed out the nerves, nausea, & sadness, I turn it into a prayer. Oftentimes, I feel calm and focused within hours. I strongly believes God is so near to us and will give us peace when we ask for it. 

I didn't start doing these things all on the same day. They are habits that took time to adapt to. However, I do know, my anxiety has dramatically went down since bringing more of these healthy habits into my week. Thanks for coming by. I hope one of these things will help you feel more calm and survive the day ahead!

*I'd love to know. What habits help with your anxiety?

Are you in West Des Moines and looking for some good eats? Look no further! My sister lives in Iowa, so we make our way over there a couple times a year. We've spent some time in West Des Moines and let me tell you, we have found some great food and great coffee. Let's dive into the list, so you can pick what place you'd like to try!

If you like delicious tamales, you definitely need to try El Fogon! It is a Mexican restaurant situated near West Glen Town Center. The restaurant has a super relaxed atmosphere and is decorated so well! My husband ordered enchiladas with their cheese sauce and he enjoyed them a lot!

This is a great place to eat if you have some shopping to do. There's countless stores in this area! The restaurant is super kid friendly and our service here was awesome. You should definitely check this place out if you're in West Des Moines!
​

Don't be fooled by the outside of this place. This cozy coffee shop is attached to a gas station, but the space is still separate and DREAMY on the inside! Picture a roaring fire place, dark but inviting wall colors, and vintage tables for seating. 

This was the perfect spot to post up and get some work done. The black coffee was affordable and the lady at the register was a sweetheart! A few drinks I'd love to try when I go back are: Sweet Georgia Brown or their Turtle Mocha.
​

In December, we were in Des Moines for a wedding and in need of a snack before the ceremony started. We stopped at Blue Shark for appetizers and this place was so fun! The restaurant has multiple TVs and plenty of high top seating.

We ordered spinach artichoke dip and pretzel sticks. They were a hit! The food came out super fast too. I'd love to visit this place on a Saturday, they do some awesome deals that day!
​

I am a big fan of West Des Moines! It is such a nice place for a weekend getaway. The area felt very safe, so it could be a fun option for a family trip. Anyway, thanks for stopping by Bliss Junkie!

I love creating these guides for you. I don't always have my camera, but that won't stop me from snapping pics with my phone and making posts like this! 

Heading to Des Moines soon? Pin this post and save it for later!

​Related posts:

• Quick Guide to Falls Park in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
• Overnight Trip to Ponca State Park
• A Couple's Nostalgic Guide to a Weekend Trip to Houston, Texas