Anxiety Awareness

Do you suffer from anxiety?

A mindfulness approach to your struggle can help you utilize the anxiety to your benefit. Anxiety is based on thoughts of the past and future, not the present. On the other hand, mindfulness makes us focus on the present.

Anxiety is a constant partner in our lives. By being aware of changes in the body and mind, we can find out what makes us anxious and learn how to cope with the anxiety in a healthy manner. Mindfulness allows people to become present and in turn, the stress and anxiety will decrease.

Several times a day, make a point to notice your anxiety. Notice how your body feels, your emotions and thoughts that are associated. Are your thoughts running away? Is your heart racing? What time of day is this? What are you doing? Watching the news? Driving to work or school? Drinking coffee?

Be Grateful!!

Too often in life these days, we become caught up in the idiosyncrasies of daily life. We get bogged down by the bad things and don't notice the good, becoming weighed by the stressors, to the point where our negative moods take over, affecting our physical and mental health and overall being.

Take some time to think of 5 things or people for which you are grateful. Make your list. Let your list grow and feel the gratitude towards your life.

1. Do you have someone who loves you? Friends, family, a partner, spouse? 
2. Do you have a job, which provides you the means to take care of yourself?
3. Do you have food, which in turn gives you nutrients?
4. Do you have somewhere to live? A roof over your head?
5. Are you healthy enough to walk, to talk, to breathe?

Be thankful for all that you have.