We all get overwhelmed by our hectic lives, ever so changing scenery, negativity from other people and simply biting off much more than we can chew at a time. This in turn brings about stress and anxiety that block us from living our best life. In my feature image I’m reminding you how Harry and Ron hussled to get through the barrier on Platform 9 3/4 to board Hogwarts Express (ouch!).
Some people consciously choose therapy to understand where the stress is coming from and a healthy way to deal with it. Others take on unhealthy habits or become hostile/defensive to the outer world.
No matter how often or serious your anxiety is, there’s one quick way to deal with it in the moment. Hint: it’s important to read your mind and body to catch this moment by its symptoms, anxiety can be tricky to locate.
Quick Exercise for Grounding
Take a look around and find the following:
- 5 things you can see;
- 4 things you can touch;
- 3 things you can hear;
- 2 things you can smell;
- 1 thing you can taste.
This quick exercise helps you ground yourself in a situation when your internal dialogue, repetition of negative thoughts or reliving past negative situations over and over again get the best of you. Grounding helps you return to the “now” and come back to balance and constructive thoughts.
Getting Physical
Another quick tip would be going for a physical exercise. It may not sound like smth you can do in the moment, but with quarantine and remote work it’s more accessible during the day. Doing some motivational cardio work, stretching, dancing or even taking a walk can ground you. It also helps take away your muscle tension (including tension in your brain, yes).
What about the tongue?
Another great way to quickly release stress and tension is by dropping your tongue on the bottom of your mouth and relaxing the lower jaw. Try it, see what happens.
Last but not least
Connect to nature. I talk more about ways to get connected here: https://mindfulbamboo.com/connect-to-nature/
Let me know if this topic is of interest, I have many more tips and tricks to share 😉
