This blog is focused on ways to support you on the physical level, when your nervous system gets hijacked by anxiety, worry or fear.
The first tool:
BREATHE
Take a moment right now to become aware of your breath.
Is it slow? Fast? Deep? Shallow? How we breathe directly impacts how we feel.
When I was in high school, I was on the crew team. Before every race began, when we’d be adjusting the boat, assured we were in the correct lane and pointed in the right direction, I’d get so nervous I’d actually stop breathing.
Of course, that’s the EXACT opposite of what my muscles needed to win! But it’s what anxiety can do. Fight-flight-freeze
Which is why we have to train ourselves to breathe and regularly check in with our breath.
Not only is it oxygenating your cells, it regulates your nervous system, and can instantly calm you down.
Try it and see.
EXERCISE
Another great way to manage negative emotions, is to move. This is especially true when we do aerobic exercise. Of course, you know how helpful exercise is to the physical body, but the main reason I exercise is for my mental health.
It helps me feel more calm, relaxed, present and clear.
How about you?
NATURE
My last great reset for your body, is being in nature.
Spending time outside in or near a park, forest, beach, river or lake can do wonders and help you feel more connected and grounded.
If none of those are available, perhaps there’s a nearby fountain.
If all else fails, try listening to nature sounds. You can also watch a video of animals at play or a video of a beautiful, pristine location.
Feel less anxious and support your body in positive ways by breathing, moving and connecting to the natural world.
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Image courtesy of Ivana Cajina on Unsplash