Anxiety …

And hearing this never truly helps, does it? Having someone,
who seems annoyed by your “nonsensical and irrational” fear, worry or
over-concern for something in the moment can feel as if they’re mocking you. In
your mind, you hear this little voice saying “Get it together already – you’re
fine, this isn’t that big of a deal!” You almost feel as if you should be
walking around with that scarlet A on your chest, as if experiencing anxiety
first hand wasn’t bad enough - it feels as if the entire world sees you at your most vulnerable and laughs. It’s quite a lonely place to be sometimes. You
and your A. Yuck.

By doing one or all of these, you can grab the reigns and take back some control the next time you feel “The Beast” rearing its ugly head.
Let me break this down for you:
1) You
can get all Zen-like: which typically looks like you closing your eyes, placing
your hands on your belly, and doing what’s called “belly breathing.” Deep
breaths in through your nose for 4 counts, letting your hands rise on your
belly during the in-breath and slowly exhale for 4 counts feeling your hands
fall as your belly releases on the out-breath.
Repeat for 5 counts, 6 counts, 7 counts … whatever you need until you’re
feeling more relaxed. This takes practice – so don’t stress if “nothing’s
working! This is taking too long!” It’s supposed to take some time. Just
breathe – you’re giving your central nervous system a bit of a massage – so
enjoy!

3) You
can flex your cognitive muscle or just call it “Trickery:” In a sense you’re
tricking your brain by distracting it. Next time you feel that big A-word
sneaking up on you – stop and challenge yourself with one of the following:
- Look
around you and notice everything that’s RED (or pick another color) and
name it, list it, count it … something. Identify all things this color until
you’ve relaxed.
- Look
around and find 10 things small enough to fit in your pocket – if you can, pick
them up, feel for weight, textures, and of course size. (No stealing though –
seriously put it back!)
- Close
your eyes and listen, feel, and just be – name 3 things you experience using your senses other than your eyes: smells, sounds, tastes, and feelings.
How’s all that for trickery?!
Bam –
try and mess with me now, Anxiety!

Anxiety is my thing … not only do I find myself successfully
managing it on a daily basis, I deeply enjoy helping others learn to do the same.
If
you find yourself struggling with anxiety that gets in the way of enjoying life
– call me, I’d like to help 714-390-1652 or email me at Robyn@TherapywithRobyn.com