Exercises to Calm Your Anxious Thoughts
Karen Vogel, MSN, PMHNP-BC on Apr 13, 2023 in Mood and Feelings
Empowering Yourself to Overcome Anxiety: Proven Techniques to Soothe Your Mind and Ease Your Worries
Anxiety is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can cause feelings of worry, nervousness, and fear, which can be debilitating and prevent individuals from living their best life. However, there are many exercises that can help to calm anxious thoughts and provide relief from symptoms.
Anxiety can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life. It can interfere with daily activities, relationships, work, and social interactions. Fortunately, there are many exercises and techniques that can help to reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being.
Deep Breathing Exercises
One of the simplest and most effective exercises to calm your anxious thoughts is deep breathing. When you are anxious, your breathing becomes shallow, which can increase your heart rate and make you feel more anxious. Deep breathing helps to slow down your heart rate and promote relaxation.
To perform deep breathing exercises, find a quiet place where you can sit comfortably. Close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose, filling your lungs with air. Hold your breath for a few seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat this exercise for several minutes, focusing on your breath and the sensation of relaxation.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Another effective exercise to calm your anxious thoughts is progressive muscle relaxation. This technique involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in your body to promote relaxation.
To perform progressive muscle relaxation, find a quiet and comfortable place to lie down. Close your eyes and focus on your breath. Begin by tensing the muscles in your feet and holding for a few seconds before releasing the tension. Move up your body, tensing and relaxing different muscle groups, including your calves, thighs, stomach, chest, arms, and face. Repeat this exercise for several minutes, focusing on the sensation of relaxation in each muscle group.
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation is a technique that involves focusing on the present moment and accepting your thoughts and feelings without judgment. This exercise can help to reduce anxiety by promoting relaxation and increasing your awareness of your thoughts and feelings.
To perform mindfulness meditation, find a quiet place where you can sit comfortably. Close your eyes and focus on your breath, noticing the sensation of air moving in and out of your body. If your mind starts to wander, gently bring your attention back to your breath. Continue to focus on your breath and the present moment for several minutes, noticing any thoughts or feelings that arise without judgment.
Anxiety can have a significant impact on your quality of life. When you are anxious, you may have difficulty concentrating, sleeping, or enjoying your daily activities. Anxiety can also affect your relationships with others and your ability to work or perform daily tasks.
Reducing anxiety can improve your quality of life by helping you to feel more relaxed, focused, and engaged in your activities. When you are less anxious, you may find it easier to connect with others, participate in activities that you enjoy, and achieve your goals.
