‘I have a happy life, a beautiful family, a thriving company, really living my best life at 37, but sometimes I feel like I just can’t breathe.’
By Shaina Zazzaro
Mental health is something that is not talked about enough and it is a very important topic for me to touch on.
I am no doctor, but I am someone who suffers from severe anxiety — and I think that is important to share with you.
If you suffer from anxiety, you are not alone, trust me. I feel like everyone must have some sort of anxiety, some worse than others.
It could be as simple as worrying about your job or something so extreme that you feel it but you don’t exactly know why you have it.
The thing about anxiety is, sometimes when people ask me “what’s wrong?” I simply cannot give them an answer.
I have a happy life, a beautiful family, a thriving company, really living my best life at 37, but sometimes I feel like I just can’t breathe.
If I can write this article — first of all, so you don’t feel alone — then I already did my job. I got your back. There are some ways that I cope with my anxiety, and I’m going to share a couple of tips with you.
For the longest time I have tried to cope without medications, going naturally. In order to do this, I make sure to eat healthy food which makes me feel better physically, and exercise often.
I would really recommend walking. Sometimes when I feel extra stressed, I’ll hop on the treadmill and go for a walk, I instantly feel a bit more at ease. I will say if you get to the point where natural coping is not enough, trust in your PCP to let them know how you are feeling and they are there to help you. That is one person that is going to be on your side and you can trust talking to, so confide in them.
What about dealing with anxiety when I can’t move around? When I’m in the car, when I’m at my desk, what then? Sometimes I’ll call a close friend, my mom or husband to vent, but sometimes I will just take deep breaths and remember to breathe. Sometimes I’ll turn on my favorite band and listen to a song I can jam to. Find something that you enjoy that works for you, but make sure it can calm you down and relax you.
I am also really big on taking time for myself — there is nothing selfish about self-care, and it is important. Take yourself to the spa, go to happy feet and get an hour-long foot rub, find a nice restaurant you can relax and have a solo quiet meal at, do something you enjoy for yourself, and don’t ever feel guilty about that.
My family heavily relies on me to be strong and in good health so I can take care of them. If I am not in good health, my children will suffer. Remember that the next time you feel guilty for taking some time to yourself.
And, last, but not least ,if you are suffering seasonal depression, trust me — you are not alone. Splurge and take a weekend getaway in the sun, get some warmth, get some sunlight, do something fun for yourself (and your family if you are feeling wild), but there is nothing wrong with a little trip to the sun to get out of the Rochester cold (do you feel like this winter is colder than normal? I sure do)!
I hope that reading this made you feel better, and if you are struggling with anxiety, trust me you are not alone.
Follow me on Instagram @ShainaZazzaro for some motivational videos. I’m here for you and you may not know me, but you can count me in as your new friend.
Love yourself, be happy and be healthy. Peace Out, Rochester!
Ps. I wanted to share this with you since I think it’s wonderful: There is a great new group called Roc Girl Walks that you can find and take monthly walks with, and even meet friends. Follow them on Instagram @rocgirlwalks
Shaina Zazzaro is a devoted wife and mother of two, blending her roles with a passion for health and wellness. She is the owner and chief executive officer of local meal delivery service, Effortlessly Healthy. For more information, visit www.ehmeals.com.