What can I do when I’m feeling anxious?
There are lots of strategies out there for helping to calm you when you feel your anxiety rising. The key is to find the things that work for you. Anxiety takes us up out of our body and out of the present moment. When trying to calm your anxiety you are actually working to calm an over-functioning nervous system that is working really hard to keep you safe (even if there is no real danger). Starting with a compassionate and understanding stance towards your body’s response can help soften any judgment or criticism you’re feeling due to the anxiety you’re experiencing. Strategies that help the most will focus on reconnecting you to your body, to the present moment and to the truth that you are safe right here and right now. Understanding how your body uniquely experiences and expresses anxiety will help you catch rising anxiety earlier. The earlier you can begin to down-regulate your anxious nervous system, using these strategies, the better. Remember to be patient and seek the support of a professional therapist if you are having a hard time getting space from your anxiety.
