Wow… what a week. We started with a time change, a full moon arrived, we’re ending with a Friday the 13th and things have gotten CHAOTIC surrounding coronavirus. Whether people are overreacting or under reacting, it’s a constant conversation and all over the media. And frankly it’s causing my anxiety to run high.
I thrive in a routine and this state of unknown and fear causes my heart and head to race. If you’re struggling with anxiety yourself, here are a few ways to hopefully help calm your mind and ease anxiety…
ONE // Stay active – You may be avoiding the gym right now, but even 20 minutes of yoga or movement at home is so good for your endorphins. Don’t let yourself become a couch potato during this time where you may be stuck indoors. Keep moving for your body and brain!
TWO // Play a game or color – Guys, coloring books are where it’s at to do something relaxing and take my mind off any panic scenarios. I love coloring and sipping a glass of wine or tea. It allows me to focus on a singular activity and be creative.
THREE // Pair a mantra with your deep breathing – I used to use this technique often when I was teaching yoga, but if you’re practicing deep breathing in an effort to stay calm, add a phrase with your breathe. Inhale “I am present..” Exhale “in this moment” or Inhale “I am strong” Exhale “I am calm”
FOUR // Write it down – Journaling is something I practice if I’m having circular or catastrophic thought patterns. If I can just write it down and get it out it allows me to remove the thoughts from my brain and dump them on paper.
FIVE // Do a full body relaxation meditation – This is another technique from teaching yoga and meditation classes, but if you’re laying in bed, do a full body scan and to relax every body party. You start at your head and relax your forehead, let your eyelids get super heavy, relax your cheeks and jaw, and so on and so forth, all the way down to your toes.
Do you have any go-to methods for calming your nerves or preventing an anxiety mindset?
Such great ideas! I find peace on my yoga mat. I discovered Yin yoga a couple years ago and it literally changed my life.