one thing at a time

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No matter who you are, you are no stranger to anxiety. Somewhere on the spectrum between ‘racked daily’ and ‘occasionally affected’, we are all familiar with that paralyzing feeling deep in our stomach. That said, one of the best things about the human brain is that it can acquire defense mechanisms, and today I’m opening up to share a personal strategy that works for me.

I am certainly an anxious person; at times I can be easily overwhelmed. It does no one any good to keep mental health issues a secret, and for this reason I’m happy to open up to you. This was something I dealt with often when I was a teenager (you know, all those hormones), and it has seeped into my adult life.

As these things often go, sometimes the solution is simple (but easier said than done). For me, something that has really helped me is to take it one thing at a time. It sounds rudimentary (I would always roll my eyes whenever my mom would say this), but for me it works. Get rid of the noise. As a silly analogy, ever notice how your phone slows down and freezes when you have too many apps open? Open one, close the rest, and get the job done.

I’m not a doctor, but it doesn’t take one to recognize that simple coping mechanisms can make a world of difference. So seriously guys, one thing at a time. Get back to the real you so you can immerse yourself in the things you love, which for me (…obviously) includes fashion. #ExpressLife

Express shirt, bralette, cropped jeans | Vince slides | Ray-Ban round sunglasses | Leah Alexandra jewelry

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20 Comments

    • August Diaries
      Author
      08.15.2016 / 2:14 pm

      Thanks Liv!

  1. Joy
    08.15.2016 / 10:46 am

    I feel you. I’ve struggled with anxiety for years and bi polar disorder. It truly is one day at a time. Staying creatively stimulated is an awesome coping mechanism. Big love from a fellow anxious-chicka!

    • August Diaries
      Author
      08.15.2016 / 2:15 pm

      Thanks for this comment Joy, it means so much. You’re totally right about being creative, and I try to exercise a few times a week as well! Thanks again for the support love 🙂

      xx Jill

  2. 08.15.2016 / 11:28 am

    I have a tendency to want to speed through life so my boyfriend is the one that actually says, “Take it one step at a time,” to me. Something I know but it’s nice to have someone emphasize it for you.

    http://www.dressupchowdown.com

    • August Diaries
      Author
      08.15.2016 / 2:16 pm

      Absolutely, everyone needs reminding sometimes!

      xx Jill

  3. Valarie
    08.15.2016 / 12:27 pm

    need this purse! who’s is it!?!

    THANKS!

    • August Diaries
      Author
      08.15.2016 / 2:20 pm

      So good right? It’s Alexander Wang, here’s the link love: http://bit.ly/2b9o13W

      xx Jill

  4. 08.15.2016 / 11:55 pm

    Very well said! Thanks for sharing. Hope Toronto is treating you well so far. 🙂

    • August Diaries
      Author
      08.16.2016 / 5:08 pm

      Thanks Elise! So far so good, am still getting settled and figuring out the city, but I love it 🙂

      xx Jill

  5. 08.16.2016 / 2:27 pm

    So in love with this look & such a fan of your style. <3

    • August Diaries
      Author
      08.16.2016 / 5:09 pm

      Thanks Jennifer! So lovely to hear.

      xx Jill

  6. 08.16.2016 / 2:57 pm

    Loving this casual but super chic look. I can be an anxious person too and I hate it. But you’re right taking it one step at time can make all the difference. My anxiety often creeps up when I feel like I don’t have control of a situation or I have too many things going on. But lately I try to look at a situation and ask myself ‘whats the worst thing that can happen?’ and if it happened ‘ would it be the end of the world for me?’. Surprisingly it helps me prioritize things and spend less time stressing over things that are out of my control.

    xo, Jackie
    stylemydreams.com

    • August Diaries
      Author
      08.16.2016 / 5:10 pm

      Hi Jackie, thanks for the thoughtful comment. That’s a good way of thinking about it, I’ll keep it in mind!

      xx Jill

    • August Diaries
      Author
      08.17.2016 / 10:46 am

      Thanks Jessie! Here’s a direct link: http://bit.ly/2b9o13W

      Let me know if you get it!

      xx Jill

  7. Melissa
    08.17.2016 / 1:38 pm

    My mom always said ‘first things first’, and that advice reminds me to prioritize me when I’m starting to feel overwhelmed or anxious. I’ve learned that I need exercise, sleep and food help to keep me ‘stable’. If I exercise everyday, avoid sugar and sleep a minimum of 8 hours, I can keep the anxiety ‘monster’ away, or at least at a safe distance… but if one of my pillars gets knocked over, I’m screwed lol.

    LOVE this look!! But I wish that Express jeans worked on curvy & tall gals (like me!), but sadly the 100% cotton high-waisted capris don’t (too big at the waist). I’m going to try the high waisted black jean capris as they’re a spandex mix… not sure if they’ll be high enough though (5’10” can suck, but it’s mostly awesome).

    Question – do you know any fashion bloggers that are tall and average sized? I’d love to see someone that looks more like me 🙂

    PS. I absolutely adore your honesty. It’s refreshing in a manufactured world.

    • August Diaries
      Author
      08.25.2016 / 4:18 pm

      Hi Melissa,

      Agreed, pillars are so key! Exercise is something I need as well. I will keep a look out for taller fashion bloggers, but I love these two blogs: http://www.aliciafashionista.com + http://tovogueorbust.com

      Thank you for your sweet comment!

      xx Jill

      PS I wish I was 5’10!

  8. 08.18.2016 / 8:42 am

    First…I absolutely love this blouse! Such a perfect, versatile piece that I feel like I would wear in all seasons. Also, I love how you’ve styled it in such a simple, but striking way.
    Regarding the anxiety. Thanks so much for sharing your struggle. I have struggled with anxiety all my life and it is crazy how it can creep in and take over at times. I like your strategy! I try to slow down and quiet my mind. My Christian faith has helped me tremendously as well. Prayer helps curb my anxiety.
    Great post!
    XO, Gina

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