What is anxiety?

Anxiety stems from worry about the future, the “what if’s” in life. If we are not aware, we can spend endless amounts of time worrying and ruminating about what might happen rather than checking in with ourselves to rationally assess the situation.

Life is full of ups and downs but it is how we deal with what comes our way that matters. We tend to fear change and become anxious around the unknown; however, change is the only constant in life. Accepting this fact and learning how to avoid resisting the hard emotions or situations we gain resilience, strength, and growth.

Living through a pandemic can heighten an already anxious mind or present as a new symptom for some.

Tips for coping with anxiety

1. Being PRESENT

This simple exercise brings your awareness to the present, fostering a sense of feeling grounded. 5-4-3-2-1
5 – tell yourself five things you can SEE.
4 – listen to four things you can HEAR.
3 – touch three objects around you that you can FEEL.
2 – direct your attention to two things you can SMELL.
1 – chose one thing that you can TASTE.

2. Box Breathing

Focusing on your breath, helps to calm the mind and relieve stress. This technique uses slow, deep breaths, and counting to four.
Inhale – count to four. Hold – count to four.
Exhale – count to four. Hold – count to four.

Feel your feelings instead of judging and putting a story on them. Go into your body and notice where the anxiety resides. Every emotion is connected to a place in our bodies. Maybe your throat tightens or your stomach feels like it is dropping. Sitting and breathing into those areas where the anxiety resides rather than trying to avoid it. This helps to lessen the anxiety.

3. Get Outdoors

Not only does this provide fresh air, sunshine, and vitamin D, it also helps with fostering that sense of being grounded. Look for trees, feel the grass under your feet, and smell the air.

4. Connect with Movement

Choose any type of movement that resonates and brings you joy. It can be a simple walk, a run, some yoga poses, pilates, etc. Connecting with the body releases endorphins that help lessen anxiety.

5. Ask when you need support and stay connected

During this time of isolation we can fall into ruts and cocoon ourselves. Staying in touch with family and friends regularly and especially when you need support is important for well-being – both emotionally and physically. Seeking the help of counselling with a trained professional provides the tools needed to manage anxiety.

Psychotherapy at Ohana Wellness Clinic

Our diverse team of Therapists consists of both Registered Social Workers and Registered Psychotherapists. We provide counselling for individuals, couples, families, and children and teens. Along with counselling for anxiety, they have extensive experience in depression, grief, relationship challenges, trauma, addictions, parenting challenges, OCD, ADHD, anger management, and much more.

Begin by booking a Free Meet & Greet.