Anxiety can feel overwhelming, but there are plenty of ways to calm your mind and feel more in control when this biological response hits. Whether you’re looking for quick relief or long-term solutions, the key is to find what works for you so that you can harness this natural response for good.
Let’s explore some simple, effective ways to manage these feelings and ensure that the purpose of anxiety is kept in check. The goal is to ensure anxiety only lasts as long as it’s needed. We also want to curb completely unnecessary anxiety, and only stick to healthy anxiety.
Quick Ways to Feel Calmer
1. Take a Deep Breath
Deep breathing is one of the fastest ways to relax. If you can, find a quiet spot and try this: inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a few seconds, then exhale gently through your mouth. Placing a hand on your stomach can help make sure you’re breathing deeply—you should feel your stomach rise as you inhale. Repeat this as many times as needed until you feel more grounded. An anxiety breathing necklace is a phenomenal tool to help you mindfully breathe.
2. Bring Yourself Back to the Present
Anxiety often comes from worrying about the future or replaying the past. One way to anchor yourself in the present is to focus on your senses. Ask yourself: What’s one thing I can see, hear, touch, taste, and smell right now? It’s a simple trick, but it works, and it helps you manage healthy anxiety in the moment so that it doesn’t take hold for longer than it should, leading to unhealthy anxiety.
3. Remind Yourself It Won’t Last Forever
When you’re in the middle of anxious feelings, it can feel like they’ll never go away. But anxiety comes in waves—it rises, and then it falls. Try to remind yourself (even out loud, if it helps!) that this feeling will pass and that there’s a purpose of anxiety. It’s a biological response to keep you safe in that moment.
4. Move Your Body
Sometimes, the best way to calm your mind is to get moving. Whether it’s taking a quick walk, doing some stretches, or even just standing up and shaking out your arms, physical movement helps release tension and gets those feel-good endorphins flowing.
5. Redirect Your Thoughts
When your mind is racing, shifting your focus can help. Maybe it’s making a cup of tea, listening to a favorite song, or imagining yourself in a calming place—like the beach or a cozy cabin.
Small changes like these can make a big difference.