Anxiety can be associated with the past or something yet to be. Sometimes it is related to events in the moment, but when it is, it is not uncommon to experience anxiety related to a trigger from the past, or perhaps a reminder of something to come. Anxiety, like depression, has many crossover symptoms. That is to say, it is not only apparent in our mind or in our feelings, but in all aspects of our sense of self. Though it may be intensified through our thinking patterns, its influences permeate the mind-body connection. Sometimes simple breathing techniques or movement through stretch and exercise can lessen the physical symptoms, ease tension, and calm the mind and emotions.
Anxiety can be tied to our hopes and uncertainty. When we are not feeling in control of a situation, such as when the health of a loved one is threatened, we can become anxious. When hope for a particular kind of outcome is mixed with uncertainty, we can become anxious. Anxiety can be thought of as our attachment to expectations, beliefs, and assumptions. When we have experienced trauma in the past, we might believe or expect it to happen again. When we have yet to realize a dream, we may believe it will never happen.
Anxiety, like depression, is intricately tied to the self, the idea we hold about ourselves or the story we tell ourselves. Changing our self-concept can be complicated and arduous. Those parts of us that respond/react to certain life events in a way that create anxiety may be difficult to manage, let alone heal. However, gaining relief from anxiety in the moment can be a relatively easy and instantaneous task. Several techniques to ease anxiety are described in the resources section below. In addition to those suggestions, connecting to something we care about can instantly ground us. Relating to someone or something in a meaningful way can relieve us of symptoms of anxiety by displacing our center of attention away from ourselves.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
- Anxiety – What Is It? – Orienting Article
- Comprehensive Resource on Anxiety
- Grounding Techniques – Ways to come into the moment
- Anxiety Information 2012
EXERCISES AND TECHNIQUES
MULTIMEDIA
- Relaxing Music – Soft Rain
- Calming Music for Stress and Anxiety