Courtesy Cassie Rogers<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe first: an aromatherapy pen in lavender and peppermint that \u201ccalms me down if I\u2019m already in a panicked state,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
For moments before anxiety hits, she keeps something on hand to engage her taste buds and redirect her focus, like gum, Life Savers or Icebreaker Sours.<\/p>\n
\u201cRecently, I was in the middle of a store and could feel it coming on,\u201d she said. \u201cI immediately popped a couple mints in my mouth and was able to get through my shopping and back to my car before it escalated. I was able to talk myself down because of these tools.\u201d<\/p>\n
Just having the items on hand gives Rodgers peace of mind.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt makes me feel like I\u2019m capable of handling whatever may come at me,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Her advice to others is simple: You\u2019re not alone, and there\u2019s no shame in needing a little help. <\/p>\n
\u201cTaking a step back to grab your kit is not a failure,\u201d Rodgers said. \u201cYou\u2019re using these tools to keep pushing through what we can\u2019t control.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n