Five things to help control Anxiety

We all have anxiety.

A simple name for it is STRESS.

It is a feeling of intimidation that agitates both the brain and body. It pushes us into our fight-flight-freeze mode, but perhaps more on that for another time. What I do want to share are 5 simple things that can help you gain control of anxiety. I will keep it brief:

1) 5-3-4 Breathing Technique

The 5-3-4 breathing technique is a great tool to have. For 5 seconds, breathe in using only your mouth. Next, hold your breath for 3 seconds. Finally, breathe out using your nose for 4 seconds. Try it at least 3 times per set. Observe the difference.

2) Counting Colours

A quick way to ground yourself. Look around the area you are in and pick one colour you see. Then, start counting the number of things that have the chosen colour. Once done, repeat again. Do this 3 times per set. See how that feels.

3) Church Steeple Pose

A useful body language hack for confidence. Have both hands be in a prayer-like position, where they have clapped together. Make sure each finger on the left hand is aligned against the same finger of the right hand. An alternative to this is to have each finger tips aligned instead, forming a pyramid-like shape with your hands. Stay in this position when you are having to interact during a stressful situation.

4) Bilateral Stimulation

For better brain processing during anxious times. While sitting, have the right hand rest on your left thigh and have the left hand rest over that on the right thigh. Start gently tapping at a general pace. No need for a specific rhythm in mind, just tap once with the left hand, then the right, and so on.

5) Cold Shower Rinse

Many benefits stem from this practice, one of them being better emotional processing to resolve the intensity of your anxiety. After your regular hot shower routine is done, just turn the tap towards the blue range of temperature. It does not have to be all the way, but a taste of the cold is what we are looking for. Rinse under that cooler water for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Start with a smaller time limit if needed and build it up as you go.

If you would like to know more about ways to control your anxiety, please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to help.