A lot of people seem to be suffering from anxiety disorder says the Anxiety and Depression Association of America and it is affecting over 40 million adults in the US.

After I brought my children into the world I felt myself getting anxious a lot, just the smallest of things would set off uneasy feelings and worry. Even as a mental health advocate, who teaches a community of women about mental health and anxiety, being the best version of ourselves and showing up as ourselves. I still have to work on myself daily, like any other person.

I train individuals in Neuro-Linguistic Programming which helps reduce the feelings of anxiety and here are a few quick ways you can release the feelings of anxiety today.

This is not your usual advice but it is highly, highly effective,

1. Put on your favourite music

When we listen to our favourite music we automatically increase our physiology. The body begins to react to the beats of the music and we begin to feel better straight away.

2. Write EVERYTHING down

We do not need to keep things on your mind, a lot of anxiety can be caused because we have too much going on in our minds. Just write it all down so it can be forgotten about it. Set alarm reminders on a phone if needed.

3. Have a clear plan of action

Sometimes feelings of anxiousness can arise because we are worrying about the unknown. There is no clarity and it can cause confusion and worry that something may go wrong. If you have a clear plan of action this pushes that out the window straight away because you know what is coming next.

4. Become aware of the thoughts that are going on in your mind

Being mindful of the way you are talking to yourself in your mind will have a huge impact on the way you feel. The way you talk to yourself and the way you treat yourself is important. You need to be kind to yourself and trust yourself more than anyone else.

5. Don’t judge yourself

Release all judgment you may have towards yourself and others whilst you are at it and allow yourself to just be. Allow yourself to make mistakes if it happens, just move on.

6. Place your hand on your heart and take deep breaths, feeling into your feet. 

This will support you to ground yourself and relax. Feeling into your heart and knowing you are one. I would recommend doing this daily.

7. If it persists. Imagine the anxiety feeling has a colour, then make that colour white. If it continues, imagine the anxious feelings turning into the sand and as if they are sifting through your fingers until the feelings have gone. Repeat if necessary. 

People look at me funny when I share this, but I guarantee you this works. The next time you feel any unwanted emotions of anxiousness just follow this process.

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