Ten Things The Lion King Taught Us About Managing Anxiety

Anxiety is the most common mental disorder, affecting 40 million Americans (or almost 1 in 5) every year. Luckily The Lion King has us all covered.

1. Tune In and Realize When You Need to De-Stress

Disney / Via Giphy.com

The first step to change is acknowledging the problem. Check in with yourself regularly to see how you're feeling, and pay attention to the situations that make you feel particularly stressed. These are the times that you most need to manage your anxiety.

2. Make Time for Self-Care, Even When You Don't Feel Like It

Disney / Via Giphy.com

It's easy to let good habits slide when you're feeling depressed or anxious, but it's important to make time for self-care. Eat well, get plenty of sleep when you can, and make time for 30 minutes of exercise every other day to help manage anxiety symptoms.

3. Take Time to Unwind

Disney / Via Giphy.com

Take time to de-stress from your day, whether that's a bubble bath or sitting down to meditate.

4. Identify and Live by Your Core Values

Disney / Via Giphy.com

If you've identified those values which are most important to your life, it's easier not to feel anxious when things aren't quite going your way. After all, you're living YOUR best life, the best way you can.

5. Acknowledge what Buddhists call our Interdependent Coexistence

Disney / Via Giphy.com

It's easier to feel like you're not dealing with your problems alone when you acknowledge that we're all in this together.

6. Cut the Shame

Disney / Via Giphy.com

While it may be tempting to blame yourself for your current situation and issues, shame doesn't encourage you to deal constructively with it. Instead, acknowledge that you're doing the best you can, and take it easy on yourself when things don't go perfectly.

7. Maintain Perspective

Disney / Via Giphy.com

Even though it may give you anxiety in the moment, stressful situations like being stuck in traffic or missing a deadline aren't that big of a deal in the grand scheme of things. Try to maintain perspective when your anxiety gets overwhelming.

8. Deal With Your Issues

Disney / Via Giphy.com

If your anxiety is negatively affecting your life or arises without specific triggers, consider seeing a therapist and learning Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) skills, such as identifying and challenging your negative thoughts about yourself and your situation.

9. Utilize Your Support Network

Disney / Via Giphy.com

Rather than completely withdrawing from the people in your life (or using them to help you avoid scary situations), ask your friends and family to help provide perspective and remind you to use your CBT skills when they notice you're feeling anxious.

10. Remember That Everything Changes

Via Giphy.com

The good news is, everything changes, so don't stress out too much about the things in your life right now. When life gets overwhelming, it's also helpful to remember that YOU can change, and things can get better.

For more information on managing stress and anxiety, check out these tips from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.