Welcome to 2022! Between COVID- 19, gas prices going up, and general uncertainty, 2021 was a doozy.
But you made it! Now what?
You're still a little anxious about everything going on. Don't worry! ShaunaSoul has a few tips to help you out.
Redirect your thoughts - We've all been there. We think of one negative thing, then our thoughts become flooded with several negative things. Instead of allowing these thoughts to take over, retrain your brain to counter them with positive ones. Thinking "this won't work out" becomes "not only will this work out but it will be amazing!"
Focus on your breathing - Breathe in through your nose for 5 seconds, hold your breath for 5 seconds, then exhale through your mouth for 5 seconds. Doing this a few times in a row will slow your heart rate, calm you down, and allow you to refocus.
Write your thoughts down on paper - While typing is one of the most convenient inventions ever made, using your hands to get your thoughts down on paper is a great way to center yourself. Your brain will be so focused on the motion of your hands and what you're writing that your anxious thoughts will be shushed. If you're incapable of using your hands, you can use your smartphone or PC to record your thoughts using your voice.
4. Use aromatherapy - While candles have been used for centuries for lighting purposes, they're also used for their scents. Incense and more recently oil diffusers that use heat to vaporize essential oils and disperse them into the air are also very popular. Lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood are scents that have been proven to be very soothing and relaxing.
5. Go for a walk or do yoga - A change of environment could be just what you need to get rid of those anxious thoughts. Taking a stroll around your block or a jog around your local park is also a good way to get your body moving. Yoga, which incorporates breathing methods, meditation, and body movements, is a proven stress and anxiety reliever.
Have a safe and prosperous 2022!
Keep in mind that while these tips will help you with occasional bouts of anxiety, if you are experiencing it frequently and severely, you should reach out to a mental health professional.