Taming Feelings of Anxiety

“I didn’t get a lot of sleep last night, but I did get a few solid hours of anxiety in.”

I’m sure this is something we can all relate to. Anxiety is something that we all have to manage – and it’s really challenging when it disturbs our sleep. So what can we do to relieve anxiety, and to dissipate the worry and the stress in our lives?

1. First, be compassionate with yourself. The fact that you’re anxious and are seriously stressed means you likely need some comfort and support right now. Make sure you offer this to yourself. Self-kindness is important. Don’t criticize yourself.

2. Notice every little gesture of kindness that other people extend to you. A thoughtful act. A sympathetic comment. Some practical help. An unexpected compliment. A word, or a response, which communicates to you that someone understands what you are going through. These are powerful and impactful as they show us others care. So do your best to notice all these tiny little things.

3. Open up, and share with someone that you’re having a hard time. We benefit when others share their strength with us, so we don’t feel we’re shouldering our challenges alone. Also, if you’re a person of faith, it can help to pray … or to ask other people to pray for you.

4. Deliberately do something that will build you up. Do something that you know has made a difference in the past. And we’re all very different in terms of what this is It might be doing something physical like cycling or skiing. It might be going for a meal with some friends that you enjoy. For someone else, it might be taking their dog for a walk. Find out what work for you, and make sure you do that!

5. Listening to music can relax the mind. For example, slow-paced instrumental music lowers heart rate and blood pressure. And we all have favourite playlists that can soothe our minds. It’s amazing how transformative the right music can be. Again, choose whatever styles and pieces work for you.

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