Exercises To Calm Your Anxious Thoughts
Anxiety, our Favorite Frien-emy.
Usually when we experience anxiety, we are thinking about something bad that has happened in the past, or something bad that could happen in the future (but hasn’t happened yet). In the present moment, when we are worrying, we are usually not in danger physically, or otherwise. However, our anxiety likes to remind us, that although we are okay right now, we could NOT be okay again very soon, and we should do everything in our power to try to avoid feeling bad again!
This can be a very helpful feeling when we are actively learning from anxiety, trying to figure out new ways to do things, and trying to sort out pretty confusing issues. However, anxiety can begin to feel overwhelming if we feel like we aren’t getting any clear answers about how to avoid feeling bad again, or how to prevent something traumatic from happening. It’s at this point our anxiety begins to escalate and become more constant, or turn into full-on panic attacks.
So what can you do to calm anxious thoughts?
If you want to supplement your anxiety medication, or you want to avoid seeing a psychiatrist altogether, try some of these coping skills for decreasing anxiety and maintaining a more balanced mood:
DBT Radical Acceptance
CBT Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Prayer
Slow Breathing
Meditation
I always say, “The more tools you have in your toolbelt, the more prepared you will be for a crisis situation.” When it comes to coping skills, quantity and quality are both very important. Many days, your one go-to coping skill may work just fine. However, there are those OTHER days, when you will be glad you found more skills that work well for you. Move away from maladaptive behaviors, such as using mood-altering substances, eating your emotions, or overspending in retail therapy. Instead, try more effective methods for dealing with anxiety and begin to experience the long-awaited peace and contentment you’ve been looking for.