Emotional Tug of War Part 2: Mindfulness for Anxiety

How do you describe anxiety? 

How do you cope with anxiety? 

Anxiety can be described as high energy, intrusive or racing thoughts, or avoidance. It is important to note that at the root of anxiety is survival and fear. Anxiety is meant to act as our protector- and we don’t want to get rid of it. Before we cope with anxiety - we need to ask the question of safety. Am I safe at this moment? If the answer is no, finding a place of safety is the priority. If the answer is yes, then we can begin to regulate the nervous system and start to feel calm.

Mindfulness teaches us to sit with anxiety with curiosity. If we too quickly attempt to halt all that anxious energy, the high energy can dig in deeper. Just as our body cannot go from a full out sprint to a complete stop, our mind needs the same process to eliminate the momentum of a highly anxious state.

Align the mind and body together in high energy in order to heal and regulate the nervous system. Once aligned, then we can begin to slow down and feel more settled. Check in with yourself after staying present with high energy and ask yourself “what’s different?” rather than “am I calm yet?” 

Ways to stay present with anxious energy: 

• Running

• Stretching

• Dancing

• Talking with a friend/family member

• Going for a walk outside

• Take a cooler shower

• Swimming

• Your favorite form of cardio

• Yelling into a pillow

• Squeezing a stress ball, play-doh, or a pillow

• Breathing fresh air

• Stream of consciousness journaling 

• Running hands under cold water