Hey there, fellow rider of the anxiety rollercoaster! If you’ve found yourself here, you’re probably searching for a way to slow down this ride and relocate to something a bit more peaceful. Well, you’re in luck because this blog is your ticket to a more enjoyable and fulfilling ride of life. But what is anxiety? Anxiety, in its origin, is actually a survival response. Imagine you are a caveman and all the sudden, a ferocious lion stalks towards you. Immediately, our body goes into overdrive to prepare for a fight or to flight aka run away. Our heart rate increases and pumps blood into our extremities so we can have a chance to survive against this beast. But wait…we aren’t cavemen and we certainly don’t encounter lions on a regular basis, so why do we have anxiety? Because our brain perceives our modern-day stressors as lions! It knows no difference between a monstrous feline and a math test – both incite the same response. But have no fear! There are ways to tame the anxiety beast and reclaim control over your life.
Breathe In, Breathe Out
First, let’s talk about the power of breathing. I know it may sound simple as we do it every day, but taking slow, deep breaths can work wonders for calming the nervous system, which is where all this chaos stems from. Next time you notice a “lion,” take a deep breath through your nose for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of seven, and then exhale slowly through your mouth, like blowing through a straw, for a count of eight. Repeat this process several times until you start to feel a sense of calm wash over you. This may need to go hand-in-hand with other strategies to match the size of your “lion,” but we can at least start the process of lowering that heart rate.
The Truth About Anxiety
Next up, let’s talk about challenging those pesky anxious thoughts. Anxiety loves to spread in the voids of uncertainty and unknown, making you believe all sorts of unlikely scenarios. But here’s the truth: just because you think something doesn’t make it true. Anxiety can be the best, and worst, pathological liar you encounter. So, the next time you catch yourself spiraling down a rabbit hole of anxious thoughts, try asking yourself, “Where is the proof? Is there evidence to support it?” Chances are, you’ll realize that what you thought were truths were actually assumptions, not facts.
Release the Tension
So we’ve tackled breathing and thoughts, but what about that muscle tension from our fight-or-flight response? Exercise is a fantastic way to burn off all that anxious energy. Not only does it release feel-good endorphins, but it also provides a much-needed distraction from those anxious thoughts. Whether it’s going for a brisk walk, hitting the gym, or busting out some dance moves in your living room, finding an activity that gets your body moving and your mind focused elsewhere will aid in taming the anxiety beast.
Distract the Lion
On the topic of distractions, finding activities that bring you joy can be incredibly beneficial in managing anxiety. Whether it’s painting, cooking, cleaning, or playing with your pet, engaging in activities that you love can provide a break from the stressors of everyday life. However, there is a fine line between distraction and avoidance. If we are engaging in joyful activities to avoid emotional processing or responsibilities, these activities could result in more harm than good, so try to find a balance that works best for you.
Support Squad
Lastly, don’t be afraid to reach out for support. Taking on a lion one-on-one would be a daunting task, but it’s certainly more manageable with a group of reliable individuals. Whether it’s talking to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist (like me!), sharing your struggles can help lighten the load and provide you with the strength you need to carry on one step at a time.
Safari Survival Guide
There you have it! You now know some of the secrets to taming the anxiety beast straight from a therapist’s safari guide. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and with time and practice, you’ll have that lion locked away in no time! A life filled with peace and joy is not as far-fetched as it may seem.
If you need assistance taming your anxiety beast, please reach out. You can give us a call at 832-352-1600 or contact us HERE through our website. We are happy to help!
