Ways to relieve anxiety are designed to calm our nervous system by bringing us back from flight or fright to a grounded place of a sense of who you are.
Back to our true essence rooted in love and security, not fear and control.
And sometimes all we need all we need is a gentle reminder to come to our true selves.
So, for the times when you need it here are 5 gentle reminders when you feel anxious.
1. Breath
A soothing way to relieve anxiety is to to remember the power of your breath.
When I’m feeling anxious then I know it’s time to tell myself, “ Right, okay. All that matters is the present moment, nothing else exists.”
- I start by closing my eyes, and simply focusing on my breath ( what does it feel like? Is it fast or slow? )
- Embracing all the sensations in my body ( am I tense, is my heart beating fast, am I fidgety?)
- On days when my heart feels like it might just explode out of my chest, I focus on a few rounds of alternate nostril breathing, which helps me to relax quickly.
2. This is temporary
“Everything passes. Joy. Pain. The moment of triumph; the sigh of despair. Nothing lasts forever – not even this.”
Paul Stewart
Just like the bad days, there are plenty of good ( and average) days ahead.
It can be soothing to remember that just because in this moment in time, anxiety is showing itself, it doesn’t consume all my moments.
Sometimes when you’ve done all you can to manage anxiety and it finds itself creeping forward, it helps to remember the famous verse this too shall pass.
3. You don’t have to have everything under control
I know it doesn’t feel like it, but you don’t have to have everything under your control.
There will always be a new problem, a new unforeseeable issue that arises in this midst of all the chaos.
List down the things you do have control over, and then sit back, relax and let the rest run its course.
4. Your body is trying to protect you
Heart racing, uncontrollable thoughts, the “on edge” feeling.
While it definitely doesn’t feel like it, anxiety is your body’s way of (trying) to protect you.
It’s our body’s way of saying, “hey! I’m keeping you safe from danger!”
During those moments, I try to remind myself of my safety with these affirmations:
- I breathe and I feel safe.
- I establish healthy boundaries to protect myself.
- I am my own protector
- I know what it feels like to be safe, emotionally, and physically.
5. You belong
“I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment ; and when the derive sustenance and strength from relationship.”-
Brene
You belong in this world as much as anyone else does.
Your feelings ( no matter how unrealistic they may seem) are valid, and deserve time to be reflected on so you can cultivate a space of self-love and security.
When we get caught up with anxiety, sometimes all we need is a gentle reminder of all the things that are known to be true:
- Breathe
- This is temporary
- You don’t have to have everything under control
- Your body is trying to protect you
- You belong