Are your anxiety attacks starting to happen more often than they used to? Do you find yourself stressed over every little problem in your life?
With so many issues going on, it might feel like you can focus on one single task and forget about everything else. However, this isn’t true! Catching your anxious thoughts before they spiral, and reminding yourself that you can focus, can be the first step to reframing your reaction to stressors.
One of the best ways to handle anxiety and stress is by practicing the art of mindfulness to help you turn the volume down in your mind and focus on the present moment.
But how does one practice mindfulness? Below you’ll find simple mindfulness techniques to help reduce stress and anxiety.
Take the Time To Journal First Thing in the Morning
If you have ever been to therapy to calm anxiety, your therapist may have given you homework to journal. When you take the time to write your thoughts down, you’re releasing them from taking control of your mind.
It’s best to take the time to journal your thoughts sometime in the morning before you start your day. This way, your thoughts won’t have the chance to control you throughout the day.
Also, always remember there’s no wrong way to journal. You can simply free-write whatever comes to mind for five minutes. Once done, you can start your day like you normally do with less negative thoughts controlling you.
Listen to Music When You Feel Upset
Listen to Music When You Feel Upset. Photo by Alphacolor on Unsplash
Have you ever listened to a song and instantly become a happier person? Even though you weren’t in a bad mood, you couldn’t resist dancing to your favorite song.
When listening to music, the melody has the power to change how we’re feeling. Another example may be a particular song that makes you cry or become angry.
If music can instantly change how you’re feeling, it can help you feel less stressed. So try listening to your favorite song the next time you feel anxious.
Try Meditative Walking in Nature
Sometimes it helps to do two or more techniques when you’re upset. You can meditate at home, but it can be hard to quiet your mind when sitting still.
So instead, consider taking a walk outside and allow your mind to focus on what is going on around you. Pay attention to how the wind feels on your skin, watch a squirrel climb up a tree, or listen to the birds sing. Once you return, you’ll feel more relaxed about whatever upset you.
Start Practicing Yoga More
Start Practicing Yoga More. Photo by Conscious Design on Unsplash
If you haven’t noticed, more people are turning to yoga for different reasons. One of the reasons is that yoga can reduce anxiety and stress.
Also, don’t think you have to do complicated poses in yoga to receive benefits. Instead, you can practice yoga breathing to help calm your mind and feel less stressed.
Another idea is to infuse yoga and meditation with another tool known to help reduce anxiety. For example, some people use cannabis products when their anxiety levels are high.
While doing yoga and meditating, you can use cannabis tinctures to receive a triple combo of zen, so long as you live in a state where recreational and/or medicinal use is permitted. However, remember that cannabis affects everyone differently, and if you are taking any other medications for your stress or anxiety, to consult with your psychiatrist and primary care provider to ensure it’s the right course for you.
Take Control of Your Anxiety With These Mindfulness Techniques
When you feel nothing is helping you calm down, consider these techniques. Mindfulness can help ground ourselves in the present and provides tools to mitigate ruminating too much on the past or the future. Once you conquer this skill, you’ll notice a significant difference in your stress levels.
