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Anxiety can stem from a major traumatic event in your life or it can be a compilation of stressful situations that have built up over time. If you find that you are anxious more often than not, your body responds by triggering the autonomic nervous system, putting you in fight-flight-freeze mode. This raises the cortisol in your body. Cortisol is a steroid hormone that your body produces and it's essential for your health when it is at a healthy level. When your body stays in fight/flight/freeze mode for extended periods of time, this can be damaging to some of the natural functions of the brain and body. It's important for your mental and physical wellbeing, to find ways to ease your anxiety and stress levels as much as possible. Anxiety can be overwhelming, but there are several ways to alleviate the sensations and regain a sense of calm.
4 Ways To Stimulate Calming Sensations When You're Experiencing Anxiety:
- Mindfulness Meditation - focusing on the present moment can help reduce anxiety. Taking deep breaths and concentrating on the breath can help clear the mind and reduce anxiety. One of my favorite ways to do this is by lying on the floor with your feet on the ground and your knees up. Place your hands on your stomach and take deep belly breaths, inhaling and exhaling fully each time. Do this until you feel relaxed and then lengthen your legs and lay there in the sense of peace until you feel that it's time to get up and continue with your day.
- Exercise - physical activity can be an effective way to reduce anxiety. Exercise releases endorphins which can help improve your mood and reduce anxiety. Typically if you are already anxious, then using slower, flowy movements will help to calm the body's fight/flight/freeze response.
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation - this technique involves tensing and then relaxing different muscle groups throughout the body. This can help reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation throughout the body.
- Affirmations - As always, I highly recommend using affirmations to re-train your brain. When your mind has a tendency to think more negatively or worry a lot, it can be difficult to find a sense of peace. By using affirmations you are able to infuse positive thinking into your daily routine and this helps to re-train the brain to look for possibilities and solutions rather than problems. (listen to these affirmations on repeat - Link Below)
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Listen To The Affirmations On Repeat: https://youtu.be/D4k8wZSBHKo