I Didn’t Understand Anxiety Until My Twenties.
Throughout my life, people have described me as sturdy—level-headed, confident, driven, and capable of large responsibilities. But when I started feeling the pressure of adulthood, that description started to feel more and more like a thing of the past.
I started to really struggle with anxiety, and sought professional help. My therapist has been a life-saver, and one of the most important things she did for me was to recommend this anti-anxiety notebook. Writing with pen and paper in general is somewhat of a therapeutic task that I think we’re beginning to lose as a society (with more and more screens popping up every day), but this notebook specifically has helpful guides and activities that work to recenter and rebalance. And while these practices may not work for everyone, they’ve been enormously impactful for me.
What is This Anti-Anxiety Notebook?
The notebook is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques, which are proven to help reduce stress and anxiety. Over 100 notes and tips from therapists, as well as structured journal entries and exercises, help you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions so that you can reframe, challenge, and change them as necessary.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on improving problem-solving abilities and thinking patterns. People with a wide range of psychological issues have found that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which is tailored to each individual’s unique situation, has been very effective.
So How Does it Work?
You can use this journal as a daily ritual, or as something to turn to when you feel particularly anxious or stressed. Keeping a guided journal is helpful both in the moment, and to use as a record to reflect back on.
When you first get it, open the book to a new entry and follow the guidance of the prompts. You can describe the situation, your thoughts about it, and your emotions as a result of it. The journal also comes with a glossary of cognitive concepts like “all-or-nothing thinking” and “catastrophizing.” False beliefs like this reinforce negative patterns, and keeping track of them can help you break those patterns.
Each page also comes with a therapist’s motivational note. One of the hardest parts about feeling anxiety is that it’s isolating, it can make you feel like you’re the only one who feels this way. Finding solidarity and well-intentioned company is a great way to combat some of the self-defeating feelings of anxiety.
Why Do I Love it So Much?
The journal is an effective and low-cost way to track anxious thoughts and be more present with the tricks we play on ourselves. Writing down my thoughts has really helped me to reframe and redefine my time spent away from the notebook. It’s important to remember that, as with most things, the more you put into it, the more you’ll get out of it.
It’s always helpful to have someone (or, something) guide you to regain your bearings when you’re feeling lost. While keeping a journal in general can be very effective, this guided Anti-Anxiety Notebook comes with some extra oomph to help you navigate through turmoil—whether from without, or from within.
