Anti Anxiety Toolbox

We know very well the mind body connection when we struggle with anxiety. We feel the physical symptoms of an anxious mind.

But we often forget about the body mind connection. More and more studies are emerging on the profound impact of our physiology on our physical and mental states.

We who struggle with anxiety mostly try to calm our minds to calm our bodies. What many of us don't know (and I didn't know this until recently) is that it works the other way around as well. If we calm our bodies, this helps to calm our minds.

With this little golden nugget, I have been having fun with a variety of relaxation techniques. I have found lovely little tools that help me calm my body, which leads to a calmness in my mind. Its beautiful.

I've been enjoying the benefits meditation and breathing techniques. I've been enjoying the bliss of marveling at nature and getting lost in a good book or chick flick again. I've also been taking full advantage of the Italian concept of Dolce ver niente, something I heard in the movie Eat, Pray, Love and was drawn to for some reason. It is the sweetness of doing nothing. Guilt-free hours of doing nothing. What a concept. Just lying on the bed or under the shade of a huge tree and letting the sound of nature calm me and soothe my mind. It is absolutely wonderful.

Why it works: It goes back to that feedback loop in the fight or flight mechanism which I will discuss in subsequent posts. Essentially, it lets your mind know that you are fine. Not threatened. Calm and relaxed. So it can switch off fight or flight and flood our systems with wonderful dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin. Natural highs. Oh yes please.

Have fun with this guys. Treat yourself to some self care and relaxation.

We got this. We are slowly but surely kicking anxiety to the curb and resuming our normal lives. Scratch we're coming out stronger and better equipped for a bright future ahead.

Enjoy this little tool.