Rule 5. Learn an anxiety coping strategy.
- Sarah Rodrigues
- Aug 17, 2020
- 2 min read
Sometimes when life becomes too much or even if we feel like we are spinning out of control, it is important to recognize when you are actually feeling overwhelmed. That is the first step, to actually recognize that you are having a moment where you don't feel yourself or if the world feels like it is caving in on top of you. Don't fear. Just relax. It is normal for life to get to you sometimes, lets be real we aren't robots. We are human beings with emotions, triggers and certain things may get to us more than others.
When you do have a moment like this try and close your eyes and do the following:
Close your eyes and breathe. Just breathe.
While your eyes are closed, in your head name 4 sounds you can hear. Can you hear some birds? a car on the road? Really listen out for sounds you can hear that are even far away. Try and concentrate, when your attention is going elsewhere or thinking about something other than those sounds, bring your attention back to your breathing slowly.
Next, while your eyes are still closed name 3 things you can touch just where you are sitting or standing now. If you are sitting on a chair feel your legs touching the floor. If you are sitting on the bed feel your head touching the pillows. Become aware of yourself as you are in that very moment.
Try and now name 2 things you can smell. This is a little harder but this forces you to really dig deep and try to concentrate on your senses.
Finally, name 1 thing you can taste. Maybe it's something you had for lunch or the coffee you just drank.
Do this exercise every time you feel like you need a moment to gather yourself and pull you away from the thoughts that are bringing you down. This exercise forces you to be in control when you actually feel like you have lost control.
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