COVID-19 has seen the number of people experiencing unhelpful anxiety soar. This is because the pandemic poses a threat to both our physical and emotional wellbeing. It poses a threat to our normal way of life and has created huge amounts of uncertainty about the future. If there’s one thing our brains hate, it’s uncertainty!
In addition to the virus itself, the strategies implemented by the government to stop the virus have made it more difficult for us to continue to get our innate emotional needs met. When this happens, we instinctively feel more stressed and anxious.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a state of being comprising a cocktail of unpleasant physical sensations, fear and negative thoughts. This feeling is a message that tells us to pay attention and prepare because there’s potential danger ahead. When there’s a real danger on the horizon it’s a helpful message, but for many people the message is a false alarm.
When that false alarm is repeated too loud and too often it creates problems, our mind and body remain constantly on alert, at a ‘on guard’ state.
Prolonged, unnecessary anxiety changes the way we think, feel and act. It can impact adversely on our everyday lives and for some people can be debilitating. Severe anxiety is a trap that can destroy your quality of life. It stops you from doing the things you want and enjoying everyday aspects of life.
Fortunately, with the application of the right knowledge, tools and techniques you can regain control of your danger alarm and reset it to its proper settings. And while you’re engaged in the process of resetting the alarm there are lots of effective coping strategies you can use to reduce your anxiety level.
“Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have control ….” ~ Steve Maraboli
Anxiety solutions
For some time now I’ve been sharing simple, effective tools and techniques from my Anxiety Solutions Coaching program via my blog that when practiced can enable you to reduce the amount of anxiety you experience and increase the amount of calm you enjoy. I also offer a free anxiety guide which can be downloaded from my website.
Here’s an example of one simple way of coping by creating a sense of Calm:
C: Close your eyes or look closely at one point.
A: Bring in Air with 5 deep breaths to fill up your belly all the way.
L: Think about someone or something you Love and feel appreciation for.
M: Imagine peaceful Music playing along with your breathing.
“Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day during a day is the rest taken between two deep breaths.” ~ Etty Hillesim
Step two in the above technique is ‘AIR’ – uses belly breathing (diaphragmatic breathing). Belly breathing is effective in reducing our anxiety and stress levels because it activates our relaxation response and turns off our stress and anxiety response. The two responses cannot be ‘on’ at the same time.
Breathing techniques can be performed anywhere and anytime. They are so incredibly effective that they are the first thing I teach my stressed and anxious clients. There are lots of variations on to do perform belly breathing. On my bookshelf I have a copy of ‘breathe – simple breathing techniques for a calmer happier life’ by Jean Hall. This book is jam packed with simple breathing techniques like the one above. it’s a beautiful little book that easily fits into your bag so you can carry it with you.
Schedule a free, no obligation Discovery Consultation
If you want some help managing your anxiety or stress level simply schedule a free, no obligation Discovery Consultation by clicking here – https://bit.ly/2Z2lmmy . Alternatively you can call/text me on 021 056 8389.
Stay safe, breathe and be calm.
~ Tony
I’m on a mission to help as many people as possible enjoy lives free of unnecessary stress and anxiety. If you’d like my help, or you know someone who would benefit, call/text me today on 021 056 8389 or email tony@tycoaching.nz
