synopsis
Feeling anxious for no reason is a common and challenging thing to face. But we need to remember that we have the power to manage it by ourselves. These seven activities can offer you a guide to calm your mind and stay at peace.
Anxiety can be a tough phase to cross, and it is not something that everyone understands. The majority of people tend to make fun of anxious people, and it is disheartening to know that most of the anxiety patients face this treatment almost every day. While there are many campaigns and influencers working towards bringing awareness to anxiety and depression, people aren't much interested in being there for people around. So, here we got you the best ways to calm your mind without having to face people who treat anxiety as a joke.
7 simple activities to reclaim your calm:
1. Deep Breathing: Your Instant Calming Tool:
Deep breathing is a powerful way that can quickly regulate your nervous system and boost your mood. When anxiety hits in, your breathing often becomes shallow and rapid, leading to unease in breathing. Consciously, you can slow down your breaths, and that can signal to your body that it's safe to relax and calm down.
Try the 4-7-8 technique: inhale deeply through your nose for a count of four, hold for a count of seven, and exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of eight. Repeat this several times until you feel a sense of calm.
2. Grounding Techniques: Connecting with the Present:
Anxiety often triggers when you think about your future, worrying about what might happen and how you can handle things. Grounding techniques bring us back to the present moment, showing us the reality.
Try 5-4-3-2-1 method: identify five things you can see with your eyes, four things you can touch, three things you can hear around you, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This sensory focus helps shift your attention away from anxious thoughts and into the here and now, keeping you in touch with the reality around you.
3. Gentle Movement: Releasing Physical Tension:
Anxiety often triggers physically as tension in the body. Engaging in gentle movement can help release this striking energy and promote relaxation in your body.
Take a walk: Consider taking a walk in nature, or practicing yoga or tai chi, or simply stretching at your comfort zone. Even a few minutes of light exercise can make a significant difference in how you feel, and it can help in boosting mood.
4. Mindfulness and Meditation: Cultivating Inner Peace:
Mindfulness implies paying attention to the present moment without judgment on anyone, including you. Meditation is a practice that helps you to cultivate mindfulness. Even short-timed guided meditations that are available on the internet can be incredibly effective in calming the mind and reducing anxiety immediately.
5. Creative Expression: Channeling Your Emotions:
Engaging in creative activities to express your emotions can provide a healthy mind. Whether it's painting, writing, playing music, or any other form of creative expression based on your preferences, the process can be therapeutic and help you process anxious feelings clearly. Don't worry about being "good" at it; just focus on the act of creating. Once you are done, you will feel a sense of calm in your mind.
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6. Connect with Nature: Finding Solace in the Outdoors:
Spending time in nature and connecting with the natural elements has been shown to have a calming effect on the mind and body instantly. The sights, sounds, and smells of the natural world can be incredibly soothing to your anxious mind. You can take a walk in the park, sit under a tree, or simply spend some time in your garden.
7. Talk to Someone: Sharing Your Burden:
Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist who understands you and does not judge you can be a great help when you're feeling anxious. Sharing your feelings about anything can help you feel less alone, and your trusted people can provide you with support and perspective.
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