Smoothing the Cat

We all suffer from some amount of anxiety in our lives, in fact we need a certain amount to enable our brain to understand when we might need our fight/flight/freeze mechanism to kick in.  But it's how we deal with that anxiety that makes us sink or swim.
It's about finding the right way for you to handle your stress and learning techniques that help you cope and, inevitably, move on.
Some people find simple breathing techniques help them, some like to meditate, read a book or listen to music to help them relax and de-stress.
For me it was always smoothing the cat (that's Bristolian for stroking the cat).  There's nothing nicer than a cat jumping up on your lap and as you start to smooth it, it starts to purr.  That must be one of the most calming sounds in the world.  All that cat wants is for you to make a fuss of it, nothing else matters and as it relaxes it purrs louder.  If you stop it soon lets you know that you need to start again with a little nuzzle or gentle paw.  Then you find yourself going into a little meditative state as you enjoy this little piece of relaxation with your furry friend.
At least, that's how I remember it.  Our current cat isn't bothered about fusses, except in the mornings!  The minute I sit on the toilet she comes in and jumps on my lap and because this is such a rare occasion I just sit there and enjoy it until my legs go numb!