Take a Breath - Learn to Control Anxiety with Mindfulness
Usually, we think of anxiety as the bad overwhelming feeling that stops us from doing what we want to do. However, small amounts of anxiety can serve as a protective factor and prevent us from doing something that may be detrimental. Anxiety is often triggered by thinking about a situation that is ultimately out of your control. Rather than thinking excessively about the past or worrying about the future, we need to refocus our thoughts onto the present moment to help decrease anxiety. Refocusing the negative energy that consumes us into more positive energy through mindfulness centered exercises can make a noticeable difference.
Basically, mindfulness is actively practicing being aware of what’s happening in the present moment. When a person is able to focus their awareness to their senses and thoughts they are being mindful. When someone practices mindfulness they are more likely to have better control over their behaviors and attitudes. When one consistently practices mindfulness they may not have their automatic anxiety ridden thoughts.
Whether it is your intention to decrease anxiety or you just want to be more self-aware, practicing mindfulness can lead to having better mental health. When done correctly, mindfulness will decrease stress and anxiety and minimize how overwhelmed one feels. One way that I recommend practicing mindfulness is through taking mindful walks. To observe mindfulness on a walk you focus all of your energy and pay attention to the movement of your body and your surroundings. With each step you pay attention to the movement of your muscles and your feet leaving and connecting with the ground once again. You may pay attention to the sounds and smells of the outdoors. However, when your mind begins to wander to what you have left to do you begin to shift your focus once again to your mindful walk. Even doing this a couple times a week will decrease stress and anxiety because you are setting time aside to focus solely on yourself.
While mindfulness walks may not work for everyone, some people choose to meditate daily, refocus when they are having conversations so they are able to listen better, pausing between each action or bite of meal, or doing a guided meditation through an app or video. Not one type of mindfulness practice is better than the other because it is a personal experience. Developing mindfulness as a habit is a simple way to decrease stress and anxiety while chino-rotating more positive energy into your life.
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Emily Mori, MS, LGPC, NCC, CAS, ADHD-CCSP
As a strength-based therapist I believe mindfulness is the best approach to life's challenges. I help to empower clients seeking to move forward and to achieve their wellness goals.
