4 Creative Strategies to Calm Anxiety
By Dr. Kira Capozzolo, DC
Attempting to calm anxiety down can feel like climbing Mount Everest. You know how long the road can be and you’re unsure if you will even make it. There’s no question that anxiety has been on the rise since the pandemic began. People are spending more time by themselves, isolated, and afraid. If you are combatting any amounts of anxious thoughts or emotions, know that there is hope and you are supported.
Here are 4 creative strategies to calming anxiety down and increasing your overall happiness.
Redirect Limiting Beliefs
Anxiety often happens when we overthink future events, interactions, or outcomes. Anxious thoughts can slowly start to spiral our minds into a whirlwind of negative emotions. It is challenging to get out of that! How do we influence these thoughts?
We don’t necessarily need to change the thoughts we are already having. Instead, we can focus our energy on shifting our foundational beliefs about things. For example, changing your limiting beliefs can positively affect your outlook on life. Over time, as we redirect our limiting beliefs, our new thoughts come with different perspectives. We are now open to new possibilities and outcomes that life can bring us. By altering your limiting beliefs, you can get more out of new experiences and decrease anxious emotions.
2. Breathing Exercises
There is so much power in breath. Breathing exercises can help calm down your nervous system, which can directly influence anxiety. You can practice breathing exercises on your own or with a group. Either way, focusing on your breath can help to clear your mind and keep you grounded.
If you are experiencing heightened anxiety, consider trying breathing exercises to calm your system down. Somato Respiratory Integration (SRI) is a type of breathwork that recenters your mind, heart, and soul. It involved both the body and breath. Somato Respiratory Integration allows you to connect with the natural rhythms of your body, which can help calm anxiety down.
3. Morning Journal
Using a journal to express your thoughts is a great way to get anxious emotions out of your mind. It’s easy to get trapped in your head, getting attacked left and right by negative thoughts. Consider utilizing a tool, like a journal, to express your thoughts and clear your mind.
Are you having trouble finding time for these wellness strategies? Try journaling first thing in the morning before you start your day. This allows you to dodge the noise of incoming work emails and texts. You can be alone with your thoughts, and put them all down on paper. People oftentimes gain more mental clarity when journaling. By expressing your thoughts first thing in the morning, you give yourself the best chance at having a day filled with joy.
4. Practice Yoga
For those that enjoy movement, yoga is a great practice to add to your routine. Yoga bridges the gap between your mind and body. If you are battling a flood of anxious thoughts, yoga can help! When moving the body, anxiety begins to drift away as you concentrate on different positions.
There are many different types of yoga. Some are more physically demanding, such as Yoga Sculpt. Others have a stronger spiritual focus. Experiment with the type of movement your body prefers when trying out different types of yoga.
You Are Supported
As alone as you can feel, remember that you are always supported. The universe and world have your back. Experiment with different wellness strategies to help calm anxiety down. You can perform many of these creative strategies from the comfort of your own home or with a group. Anxious emotions can be defeated, and you can be the one to do it.
About the Author:
Dr. Kira Capozzolo, DC
TWIN WAVES WELLNESS CENTER | Chiropractor
P: (760) 487-8106
W: https://twinwaveswellness.com/
O: 990 Highland Drive, Ste 110Y Solana Beach, CA 92075