Two Mindfulness Techniques to Reduce Anxiety
What comes to mind when someone recommends that you practice mindfulness?
- Maybe you think of meditation.
- Maybe you think of yoga.
- Maybe you think of long stretches of awkward silence.
While mindfulness can include meditation, it can also be a way of seeing the world and how you fit in it. Being mindful is something anyone can do. And yet, many people believe that being mindful is complicated.
Those who suffer from persistent anxiety, a sense of being rushed, but not knowing why just assume that is how life is and that everyone experiences it. Well, not everyone experiences this, and you no longer have to!!
Try these two techniques to reduce anxiety in your life.
Journaling
Journaling is a practice that many, many people have found to be the core reason why they are successful, why they can achieve goals, and, more importantly – why they can find meaning in their life.
It is one of the most popular and effective mindfulness techniques because you must be fully present and pay attention to your thoughts. And, you’re doing it ON purpose, WITH purpose. You have intentions behind your actions that set in motion a sense of being mindful and present.
Breathe with Purpose
Chances are good you’re saying “breathe with purpose? What the heck are you talking about? If I didn’t breathe, I wouldn’t be alive!”
I know it sounds “off,” doesn’t it? And yet, studies have proven that most of us breathe without thinking – and we breathe shallow breaths. When you breathe deeply, you can feel a difference throughout your body. Your heart rate slows, your shoulders relax, your mind calms a bit. It really does. Try it now – two deep breaths.
These techniques can be used one at a time or together to help your stress levels. The key is to do one or both every day.
Start now. Just today, Just this moment. Then do it again tomorrow. And the next day.
