3 small but effective ways to cope with anxiety

Over the years I have listened carefully to my clients.

I have learned some simple but effective anti-anxiety techniques that might just help you the next time you find yourself stuck in an anxiety web.

I know that when anxious thoughts take hold they can stop you in your tracks, weigh you down and practically glue you to a shrinking comfort zone.

So many people are prevented from going to work, attending school or seeing their friends because of anxiety.

Sound familiar?

"Not today" I say!

Today we start small, but small things can add up!

Tip #1 - Change your venue to change your mood

Try going to a different room in your home. I know this sounds basic, but it actually works.

A simple shift from a dimly lit living room (where you may have been worrying on the couch for hours) to a brighter, busier kitchen can change your activity, your company and your mood.

Don't get me wrong it is definitely ok to sit for a while with anxiety.

But if you find yourself spending more time than you would like worrying about your day, or staring at your phone trying to block out anxious thoughts, maybe it is time to notice and try a small shift in venue.

Perhaps even changing where you sit in a room could interrupt your thinking and literally change your perspective a little.

So try it out and tell me what you learn.

Tip #2 - Get outside

Why not gather yourself up and get outside.

Picture it...

You could drink your cuppa in the back garden and feel the sunlight on your face.

You could take the dog for a walk, sociable, practical and supportive to your wellbeing.

You could set a timer for 15 mins and head out for a calming dander around the block

Maybe you could decide to walk rather than drive to the shops.

How you do this is entirely up to you.

I recommend thinking ahead and picking a few ideas to get you out the door.

Try adding these ideas into your week, even on calm days and it will make it easier to do on anxious days.

Many of my clients have made positive shifts in their health and happiness just from making an effort to get outside, especially on difficult days.

Tip #3 - Look up

When you do get out the door, take a moment to look up.

Looking up can give you a new appreciation for the beauty of the buildings or trees you walk past every day.

If you go into your garden, what do you notice when you look up?

Does something catch your eye? Is something new or different?

Give yourself the chance to lift your thoughts upwards.

Feel the breeze, notice the sounds and sights.  

Press pause on anxiety

just for a minute

Nature is full of motion and always changing. So go notice it.

Look up like a glorious sunflower and breathe.

Starting small is better than staying stuck all day

People with anxiety know all to well what they "should" be doing or feeling.

They have high expectations and can criticise themselves harshly.

Sadly this can prevent them from even setting off or trying.

That is why I recommend practicing small things, repeatedly.

I want you to get the little boost to confidence and momentum that follows achieving even small objectives.

Now go, make a list of ways and reasons to get outside

and practice looking up like a glorious sunflower.

I will be here cheering you on all the way

Ellen