Navigating Anxiety & Overwhelm

There was a time when anxiety ruled my days — the racing thoughts, chest tightness, panic in the middle of a shift, the weight of trying to keep it all together. As a mom, nurse, and woman healing from past trauma, I didn’t realize how long I’d been operating in survival mode. I ended up on medication because I didn’t see another way out — and at the time, it was what I needed.

But over time, I started exploring what healing could look like beyond just managing symptoms. I didn’t go off meds overnight (and I never recommend doing that without guidance), but I did begin adding tools that helped me feel more grounded, supported, and clear-headed. This is what’s helped me shift from constant overwhelm to daily resilience.

Coping Tools That Actually Helped

  • Journaling + Mindset Work
    → I started with just 2–3 minutes a day — brain dumps, gratitude lists, and prompts from my Reset & Reclaim journal. Writing helped me stop carrying it all in my head.
  • Adaptogenic + Nervous System Support
    → I switched out my regular coffee and energy drinks for natural supplements targeted at stress support — it’s one of the few things that noticeably takes the edge off for me without crashing my energy.
  • Music + Movement
    → Sometimes it’s a walk, other times just dancing in the kitchen with my kids. Moving my body shifts my energy more than anything else.

How I Transitioned Off Anxiety Meds (With Support)


I never want to give the impression that medication is bad — for many of us, it’s necessary and life-saving. But in my case, as I built more coping skills, began healing trauma, and supported my nervous system, I was able (with medical guidance) to slowly come off my meds.

What helped:

  • Consistency with calming supplements + routines
  • Prioritizing sleep and blood sugar balance (a big anxiety trigger!)
  • Therapy for childhood trauma
  • Creating boundaries around toxic relationships and overstimulation

Lifestyle Habits That Support My Mental Health Now

  • Simple, consistent routines
    → Not perfect. Just steady. I anchor my day with hydration, nutrition, and a few quiet moments to check in with myself.
  • Digital boundaries
    → Less doom-scrolling, more curated input. Unfollow accounts that make you feel “less than.”
  • Nourishing foods + gut health
    → I underestimated the connection between food, gut health, and mood. Adding electrolytes, gut support, and anti-inflammatory meals changed how I felt mentally.
  • Saying no + asking for help
    → Still a work in progress — but my anxiety drops significantly when I’m not constantly over-committing.

You’re Not Broken — You’re Becoming

This journey isn’t about eliminating anxiety forever. It’s about learning what your body and mind need to feel safe, seen, and supported. If you’re in the thick of it, I see you. I’ve been there. And you’re not alone.