Theme
Anxiety
‘Anxiety’ has become SUCH a common word in recent years. Let’s be honest, there’s plenty to be anxious about! A quick scroll of the news or social media turns up heart-stopping, stress-inducing scenarios happening around the world, all day, every day. It can feel like anxiety is just the price we pay for living in this modern world. BUT, experts in psychology and the mind-body connection tell us that there are other possibilities. In fact, there are many effective ways to tap into the frequencies of peace, rest, and calm.
One of the ways that we can reduce our anxiety load, is to let ourselves actually feel our feelings. When we ignore our emotions, they store up inside us, blending together. We can end up feeling a big, nebulous cloud of intangible, buzzing anxiousness. However, when we allow ourselves to acknowledge our feelings and feel them, they flow through us. The emotions move on, and we can get on with our lives.
Another really helpful way to reduce our anxiety is by recognising the limiting beliefs that are fuelling it. These thoughts can be things like ‘I don’t have what it takes to do this,’ or ‘I can’t access calm when I need it’. If we can identify these beliefs and challenge them with evidence to the contrary, we can start to watch the influence of anxiety shrink in our lives.
If you could use some help identifying and challenging the limiting beliefs in this area, then check out the ‘Anxiety’ theme in the Thinkladder app, and start your journey towards greater serenity.
Insights from the ‘Anxiety’ Theme
With consistent practice, I can teach my nervous system not to respond in this way anymore.
Practical tips for combatting anxiety:
Practise deep breathing: Taking slow, deep breaths can help calm anxious feelings. Try inhaling deeply through your nose, holding your breath for a few seconds, and then exhaling slowly through your mouth.
Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety. Consider incorporating some form of physical activity into your daily routine.
Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is important for both physical and mental health. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night and establish a regular sleep routine.
Limit caffeine and alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol can increase feelings of anxiety. Consider limiting your intake of these substances or avoiding them altogether.
Practise mindfulness: Mindfulness involves focusing on the present moment without judgment. It can be a tricky skill to master, but the benefits are invaluable. Consider practising mindfulness meditation, or doing an activity that you know helps you to feel grounded. If you’re stuck on where to start, Thinkladder has a selection of audio practices to choose from.
Seek support: Consider seeking support from a counsellor who can help you develop coping strategies. Talking to a trusted friend or family member can also be helpful.
Challenge unhelpful beliefs: Anxiety is frequently fuelled by unhelpful beliefs. Use Thinkladder to identify what beliefs might be the culprit, and challenge them with uplifting, empowering Insights.