These have been handy for me if I find nagging thoughts repeatedly buzzing around my brain, or when I’m anticipating something I realize I’ve been feeling concerned about.
I’d love to hear which work for you –
1. Spot it’s happening – sounds a little obvious perhaps. However this one’s been a game changer for me.
Once I realize I’m fretting over something, then I have the opportunity to take a step towards changing that.
2. Accept it – one of my mentors explained a key concept to me many moons ago. She explained ‘what we resist, persists’.
And it so makes sense.
I realize that I’ve spent many years of my life having reactions about things ‘out there’ – that was until the penny dropped that the common denominator with the stress-thoughts in each situation I came across, was me.
Accepting I have a challenge around something means I can then go to the next step.
3. Let it go – in fact what makes all the difference for me, is to let it ‘flow’. So, to let he nagging thoughts or feelings flow through me, and imagine them leaving through the top of my head.
4. Breathe – this can help if the last couple of steps feel a little ‘sticky’ and I notice I’m resisting doing them! I ‘drink in’ a deep breath into my tummy, and visualise that breath coming into each of my cells from the top of my head to the tips of my toes – and then as I breathe out – I see it flowing out through my toes. Repeating this 3 times helps me to release the bits I may still be gripping on to.
5. Gratitude – focus on 3 things I’m grateful for right in that moment. It doesn’t matter what they are. Simply asking my brain what these 3 things are that I’m grateful for, shifts my mental focus. And the difference in how I feel is almost instantaneous.
So whilst these grounding steps have worked for me, does this mean I’ve got this anxiety-reducing process sorted? Far from it…
…although I am taking those steps, pelan pelan (as we say in Indonesia!)
Take away – I’m currently reading a book recommended to me by my Leadership Coach, that’s proving to be valuable for me in this whole process. It’s ‘The Untethered Soul’ by Michael Singer; I believe it’s worth a read.
Fi Jamieson-Folland D.O., I.N.H.C., is The LifeStyle Aligner, with over 27 years experience in Europe, Asia and New Zealand as a qualified Osteopath, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, educator, writer, certified raw vegan gluten-free chef, speaker, health mentor and Health Brand Ambassador.
