406: Anxiety when I'm home alone

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In this week's podcast, we discuss how you can immerse yourself in activities at home when you're alone and feel anxiety creeping up.

“I have been a regular listener for 2 years now and I absolutely love your podcasts, thank you so much.

I’ve been through a bit of a rough patch recently and I am slowly starting to get back on track, I just get really bad anxiety when I'm home alone, I feel nervous and on edge and I can't seem to be able to sit down and calm myself down. I'm in the middle of my degree and I'm usually very busy so I would imagine as I have finished for the year I am suddenly at home with no timetable routine. I was wondering if you had any advice? I try and distract myself with TV/ books etc, but I cannot concentrate. I'm fine when I have plans even if they're just for a short period of time. I think I'm in a rut and any help would be beneficial.”

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Notes from the show:

Beware of caffiene, negative news, and dramatic entertainment; all of these can increase anxiety in general and trigger feeling unsettled.

Try immersive calming activities like colouring or doodling while listening to an inspiring audio book. 

Use herbal teas to help you feel more relaxed, our recommendations:

Pukka Relax Tea, or Pukka Love, Clipper Teas Calmer Chameleon

Take long walks in nature, and by water if possible 

It’s natural for anxiety to flare when your alone, anything that can help you feel more settled and grounded is helpful. Try making a nest, hugging a big soft cushion, or using a weighted blanket. Touch is very helpful for calming anxiety and self-soothing activities like making a nest and resting while listening to guided relaxations can help calm your anxiety and show your mind that you are learning to support and calm yourself even when you’re on your own.