3 Tips to Calm Anxiety

16 Comments

Photo: Manuel Galrinho

Periodically, I find myself feeling nervous for no apparent reason, or sometimes for a reason, at which point my mind will create stories to instill fear and worry into my being. My stomach would tighten up and when observed closely, I could feel myself breathing shallowly. It is so easy to to fall into that state once it starts.

Your mind is so powerful. It is so easy to be unconscious. But you know deep down that you are in control and that you can switch out of that state in an instant: the instant you decide to feel joy and refuse to believe in your mind created story, which is no longer serving you.

Three powerful questions to ask your self at any point:

1. Am I breathing?
2. Am I relaxed?
3. Am I moving with grace? (If you are walking)

I picked up this beautifully simple yet effective technique from Dan Millman. The beauty of this technique is that, we can consciously and fully focus on one thing at a time, and so when you have 3 things to focus on, you will be thinking less of your problems, your worries, your stories.

I’ve used this simple technique in my photography work to help my subjects relax, and I’ve suggested it to friends they are buried in worries. It’s very effective.

Suggested book: Way of the Peaceful Warrior, No Ordinary Moments: A peaceful warrior’s guide to daily life

I’ve read both books, and they have brought peace into my life. Peace and better understanding of myself. If you only pick up one copy, get the first one, it was one of the core books that changed me for the better. I hope they will contribute into the wellbeing of your soul as did mine.

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16 Responses (8 Comments, 8 Trackbacks ):

Comments

1. Adam

   Sep 29 07, 10:00 am PDT

   1

   Amazingly Powerful! In the last couple weeks, I have been enduring some tense relationships and moments at work. I find myself floating through the days, unable to focus. It really is amazing how often we forget to breathe, and how deeply that affects your state of mind. This advice really helped me; I have posted a note front and center on my computer screen that asks “Are you relaxed? Are you breathing?” to remind myself to bring my focus back to the moment.

2. Adam

   Sep 29 07, 10:17 am PDT

   2

   I have also found that your posture is very related to your ability to breath fully. When I am slouching in my chair at work, my stomach is crushed and I am only breathing shallowly through my lungs, not taking full breaths. However, when I focussed, relaxed and in the moment, such as when I am with my girlfriend, I rarely ever slouch without thinking. Change your physical nature to change your mental clarity!

3. Jean Browman - Cheerful Monk

   Oct 02 07, 1:21 pm PDT

   3

   I’m a Millman fan, too. Great post. I love your blog.

4. Tina Su

   Oct 02 07, 2:49 pm PDT

   4

   Thanks so much for your support and readership! Have a beautiful week!

5. miguel

   Nov 19 07, 1:31 am PST

   5

   Thank you so much for this website. It really helps remind me to live with more meaning and peace. I admire your spirit. ~miguel

6. David B. Bohl at SlowDownFAST.com

   Nov 21 07, 11:00 am PST

   6

   Tina,

   Found your post as a fellow blogger in the Carnival of Positive Thinking.

   Thank you for the reminder and affirmation. I needed to hear this again. My simple mind needs to keep things simple, and you’ve reminded me to act, not react.

7. JD

   Feb 20 08, 12:10 am PST

   7

   What’s interesting is the distinction between stress and anxiety. Stress can really help your performance if anxiety doesn’t get in the way.

   One of the fastest ways I’ve found to eliminate anxiety is to change the focus. I change focus by changing the question — for example, what’s the most resourceful thing I could do in this scenario? … or what would a great outcome look like? … etc.

8. Paige

   Jun 11 08, 2:16 pm PDT

   8

   Thank you for sharing. I will be passing this along to friends.

   I also found this http://www.transworldynamics.com/content/view/39/18/
   It’s about PASSION AND PURPOSE and I think it goes with your post.

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