Doctor Merryman vs. Anxiety:

Anxiety is sneaky. One minute, you’re going about your day, and the next, your brain is running a full-on worst-case-scenario simulation. Oh, you sent an email without a smiley face? Clearly, you’ve ruined your entire career.

I used to think I had to eliminate anxiety to be happy. But here’s the thing—I don’t think anxiety ever fully disappears. Instead, it’s about learning how to outsmart it. And who better to help with that than Doctor Merryman? He’s got the perfect prescription: positivity, perspective, and just the right amount of humor.

If anxiety has been showing up uninvited lately, here are a few strategies to keep it in check—straight from the Doctor Merryman playbook.

Step 1: Call It Out

Ever notice how anxiety loves to lurk in the shadows? The more we avoid it, the bigger and scarier it gets. But the second we call it out—boom!—it starts losing its power.

Now, when I feel anxiety creeping in, I literally say it out loud.
“Oh, hey there, anxious thoughts. Didn’t realize we were having a meeting today.”

Sounds silly? Maybe. But it works. Naming your anxiety reminds you that you are in control—not your stress spiral.

Step 2: Flip the Script

Anxiety is basically the world’s worst storyteller. It takes one tiny thing and spins it into an epic disaster.

Example:
What if I mess up my presentation? → Everyone will think I’m incompetent. → I’ll never recover. → Might as well move to a remote island and raise goats.

So, I started flipping the script. Instead of letting anxiety tell the story, I rewrite it:
What if I mess up my presentation? → Well, that would be awkward, but I’ll laugh it off and keep going. → No one will even remember in a week. → And honestly, moving to an island doesn’t sound that bad.

See the difference? The key is to shift from fear to perspective. Because most of the time, our worst-case scenarios aren’t nearly as bad as we imagine.

Step 3: Move—Even Just a Little

I don’t know about you, but when I’m anxious, I tend to overthink everything. And the best way to break that cycle? Movement.

This doesn’t have to mean a full workout (unless that’s your thing). Some of my go-to anxiety busters:

• A quick walk outside (fresh air always helps)
• Putting on music and dancing like no one’s watching
• Stretching for five minutes (because apparently, my shoulders live somewhere near my ears when I’m stressed)

Anxiety thrives on stillness. So when you move, even just a little, it’s like hitting a reset button for your mind.

Step 4: Find a ‘Calm Anchor’

Ever notice how certain things instantly make you feel safe? That’s your calm anchor—and having one can make all the difference when anxiety hits.

For me, it’s this ridiculously soft hoodie I’ve had forever. The second I put it on, I feel more grounded. Maybe for you, it’s a favorite blanket, a song that always soothes you, or even the smell of fresh coffee.

Whatever it is, keep it close. Sometimes, comfort is the best medicine.

Step 5: Laugh (Yes, Even When You Don’t Feel Like It)

Anxiety hates laughter. Seriously—it can’t survive in the same space. That’s why humor is one of the best tools for diffusing stress.

I have a "bad mood emergency" playlist full of comedy podcasts and funny videos that never fail to make me laugh. And when anxiety feels extra stubborn? I literally force myself to smile. It sounds ridiculous, but studies show that even faking a smile can trick your brain into releasing feel-good chemicals.

Basically, if you can find a way to laugh—even for a second—you’re already winning.

Final Thoughts: Anxiety Doesn’t Get the Last Word

Doctor Merryman’s ultimate wisdom? Anxiety might show up, but it doesn’t get to stay. With the right mindset, a little humor, and a few solid coping strategies, you can turn worry into confidence and fear into resilience.

So the next time anxiety tries to take over, remember: call it out, flip the script, get moving, find your calm, and most importantly—never underestimate the power of a good laugh.

You’ve got this. And if all else fails, there’s always the remote island goat farm option. (Just saying.)