Anxiety can feel like a black hole swallowing you wholly; it can overwhelm you and affect your ability to live your life the way you want to.
It is also not uncommon to experience high levels of anxiety as many causes are related to our societal and work environment and to things we need to do to keep food on the table.
Many types of prescription medication meant to treat anxiety can be addictive and do not deal with the root cause of the issue. So, what if you can program your mind to close the black hole of ongoing worry and fret—no meds required?
Read on to find out how simple it actually is to connect with yourself and rid yourself of feeling so stuck and lonely in your own body.
Mindfulness FAQs
Why do we experience anxiety?
Anxiety is natural and occurs when you are triggered by a stressor and your body releases stress hormones to prepare you to deal with whatever dangerous situation you may be in. This is an age-old function in your body.
Can mindfulness cure anxiety?
Mindfulness can help you become aware of your anxiety and help you understand it better by taking life moment by moment and experiencing it without judgment.
What is the most important thing to know about mindfulness?
Mindfulness is about being consciously present in the moment to feel what you are feeling and see what you are seeing without judgment. This helps you to develop a clearer picture of things.
5 Mindful, Meditative Moves to Breathe, Relax, and Unwind
1. Look Up
Don’t look up if you’re in a building because you’re going to see a ceiling. And the point here is not for you to see any kind of ceiling, be it painted or glass.
Go outside, look up, and experience the vastness of the cosmos. Let the beauty of the sky enchant you and let the unfathomable size of the universe we live in try to enter your mind.
Experience the smallness of human existence, just so you can place your life and your worries into perspective. And with that, appreciate the beauty of the planet we live on—welcome it into your soul.
2. There’s Nothing Wrong With Brewing on It
There really is no healthier way to unwind than with a cup of herbal tea in your hand. A glass of wine or a spritzer may seem a welcome addition, but if you are feeling really anxious, the effect of alcohol may aggravate how you feel.
Make yourself a cup of your favorite tea—chamomile is always a good choice—and sit back, breathe, and unwind while it brews. Let the aroma of the brewing tea fill your lungs and body and activate positive energy as you relax completely.
Allow your head to empty itself of thoughts and just be. Be still and relaxed as you drink your tea and let it nourish your soul. You will feel refreshed after consciously pausing and completely relaxing in the present moment.
3. Whip out Your Journal
When experiencing severe anxiety, venting is a healthy way to blow off some steam. It is even better if you write down your thoughts so you can reflect on them instead of blowing off steam with someone else.
Writing down your thoughts in a journal is like looking at yourself in a mirror and taking a picture you can come back to later. What did your facial expression look like?
Were you able to do some problem-solving by looking at your thoughts and feelings from the other side of the paper? The act of journaling is mindful because, as you practice this therapeutic activity, you are automatically consciously in the moment.
4. Whip out Your Journal
Turn your focus to others. They can be friends, family, or those who are less fortunate. Send them positivity and love and you will experience these feelings yourself.
Wish them the best of health, prosperity, and focus on experiencing the joy of giving. Your mind doesn’t need to focus on negativity all the time; you are in control.
5. Set an Intention
Every morning when you wake up, set an intention for that specific day. Make your intention something motivational and linked to reducing anxiety—something that is achievable to you.
And, if there is something you know is happening that day that’s causing your anxiety, focus on your intention there. Verbally affirm your intention so your body can acknowledge it on multiple levels.
For example, “I will be honest about my feelings in the meeting today.” Focus on your intention and make it your driving force.
Final Thoughts
Some of these activities may seem like things one would normally do, but have you ever done them mindfully?
Mindfulness is a deep dive into our experiences and feelings in every moment. This practice helps you take a step back and look at yourself and life from a broader perspective so you are better able to deal when your anxiety pops up.
