Anxiety is often labeled as problematic, a symptom to be treated. Here you can focus on
key areas to see how anxiety can help turm your life around.
Anxiety is your body’s natural response to stress. Anxiety may feel like the insidious enemy, sabotaging our emotions when least expected, causing us to leave our bodies and function less than optimally. But, is there a good side to feeling anxious?
Anxiety is often caused by FEAR, whether real or perceived.
Symptoms can include:
· Restlessness
· Rapid heartbeat
· Shortness of breath
· Feelings of panic or desire to flee
· Excessive worry/persistent thoughts
· Difficulty concentrating
· Sleep disruption
· Sweating
· Stomach discomfort
Anxiety can result or be worsened by a combination of factors, including brain chemistry, as well as genetic and environmental contributors, and even diet. Blood sugar imbalance can mimic anxiety and panic attacks, as the symptoms are similar. The “fight or flight” instinct can leave you feeling anxious, especially if there is no clear enemy in pursuit.
A messenger, anxiety often shows up in very sensitive and empathic women. It is your body’s way of saying, ‘something feels OFF here,” and can be a signal to slow down, become grounded, and go within for guidance, to explore what changes you’re being asked to reflect on.
THREE QUICK STRATEGIES TO STOP ANXIETY SYMPTOMS FAST
1. FOCUS ON YOUR BREATH.
Close your eyes. Deliberately count to 5 as you inhale, hold your breath for a count of 5, and then slowly exhale to the count of 5. Imagine all your worries and cares being washed away during exhalation, and being absorbed by Mother Earth. Repeat until you notice your heart rate return to normal, and you feel calmer.
2. TRY TAPPING.
Emotional freedom technique, a.k.a EFT Tapping, requires using fingertips to gently tap on specific acupuncture points, primarily on the face, head, collar bone, side of the hand and under the arms, while emotionally tuning in to limiting beliefs or negative experiences. This mind/body technique can quickly, radically and measurably reduce your stress and anxiety, no matter what situation you find yourself in. Check out Nick Ortner’s Tapping video to Calm Anxiety and Stress in 3 minutes or less.
3. GET GROUNDED.
The best way to get grounded and come back into your physical body is to get outside in nature. Barefoot is best if you can manage it. Walk in cool grass, sand or in the water. Lean your back against the trunk of a tree and allow the energy from that tree to travel up your spine. You will feel stronger and more connected immediately.
Remember, we are spiritual beings that have come to have a physical experience through human form. It can be challenging for us to feel painful emotions and the tendency can be to stuff those emotions down or escape them all together! Be playfully curious and notice when you’re triggered into feeling anxious. Stay present in the moment. You’ve gotta FEEL IT to HEAL IT. And remember, I’m always here to help.