Exercises To Calm Your Anxious Thoughts
Think back to a time when you felt at peace.
If you can think back to a time when you felt most at peace, what was going on? Where were you? Who were you with? Were there any smells, or music that made you feel calm?
Try in incorporate your five senses when it comes to coping techniques for dealing with anxious thoughts.
Touch: if touch helps you feel calm, explore with what makes you feel good. Maybe it’s a hug from a friend or cuddling with your pet.
Sight: looking at something beautiful such as photos from a previous trip, art, going for a walk can help ground your anxious thoughts.
Smell: think back to your childhood and think of a smell that made you feel happy. Was it your mom’s cooking? Was it the smell of crayons as you went back to school. (if going back to school made you feel happy). The smells that surround us can often take us back to a time when we do not feel anxious. Try to replicate that smell if you find it helps you feel at ease.
Hear: music can also help, think of creating a playlist on Spotify or iTunes you can create filled with music that makes you feel happy and peaceful. Why not listen to your playlist while going on a walk? Two birds one stone my friends.
Taste: Food! Who doesn’t love food? Is there any type of food that comforts you? It does not have to be a five course meal. Even chewing gum, tasting the peppermint and the softness of gum can be enough.
These are just examples that can help you when you feel anxious. Don’t feel pressure to incorporate all five senses, even if using one or two helps then that’s okay. At the start, it may feel awkward to try this but that’s okay. If it does not work for you, try something else that may work. Now I feel like eating apple pie... Take care my friends!
#anxiety #anxietytherapist #howtocopewithanxiety #winnipegpsychotherapist #fivefourthreetwoonegrounding #groundingexercise
