tools i turn to when i’m feeling anxious
I have plenty of experience living with the effects of anxiety. Over the years, I have built a tool kit of practices and actions that have helped me to cope with anxiety. It has made me feel more confident in knowing that when feelings of anxiety do come, I am more prepared to manage my emotions.
*The suggestions in this post are based on my opinion and do not replace the opinion of a professional doctor.
Breathwork
Using my breath in a therapeutic way has helped me to calm my nervous system and release pent up stress and feelings of anxiety when they do come. Breathwork has been known to send signals to the brain that it is safe to relax in times of stress.
Start by using a simple deep breathing technique. Sit comfortably and slowly begin breathing in and out through the nose. Breathing deep into the belly, expanding the diaphragm, and completely letting go on the exhale with a sigh. Do several rounds.
Eft Tapping
Emotional Freedom Technique or “Tapping” has been extremely effective for me in times of stress. Eft uses tapping with your fingers on certain meridian or energy points in the body to send signals to the brain that it is safe to relax. You simply tap on the points as you repeat certain affirmative phrases. You can find many videos on youtube such as Brad Yates or, The Tapping Solution has an app with videos for each issue you might be facing. I always feel a little bit more calm and more in control after each session.
Nature Walk
There is something about walking in nature, that just makes me feel calm and grounded. I especially like to walk where there are lots of trees or flowers, or somewhere near the water. This helps me to focus on the beauty of my surroundings, take some deep breaths of fresh air, and get my mind off of whatever is bothering me. Moving my body also helps me to release pent up stress that I might be holding onto.
Yoga
Yoga has been a deeply healing tool for me, personally. Often times when we are anxious, we spend a lot of time stuck in our minds. The key to ending the neverending loop of anxious thoughts, is to get into your body and out of your head. That is what yoga does for me. It redirects my focus to my body (the present moment) and helps me to connect to myself in a much deeper way.