Meditation and being more mindful can help lower your level of anxiety and reduce worry thoughts. While fear can protect you from a REAL and PRESENT danger, worry and anxiety arises from a PERCEIVED threat. Worrying can wreak havoc on your physical, mental, and emotional well being. I should know because I’ve been a worrier. The good news is meditating on a regular basis will make a difference.
Even in its simplest forms, meditation can help both kids and adults find an inner calm. Within just a few sessions, benefits of meditation often include:
- Better sleep
- Reduced anxiety
- Improved self-esteem
- Ability to focus and study
- Reduced levels of stress
With these benefits in mind, practice these tips if you are a worrier:
Tip 1- Meditate. When you meditate or do Guided Imagery, your brain moves into Alpha and Theta states that calms down the Amygdala part of the brain, “fear or flight.” Meditation increases the alpha and theta brain wave activity. Extensive research has revealed that these relaxing waves reduce stress and anxiety.
Tip 2 – Be here, now – You can do this by taking a few deep breaths in a row. The vast majority of time we worry about things that have already happened or will never happen, which robs us of the joy in the present moment. Practice mindfulness by focusing your attention on the here and now.
Tip 3 – Set aside time to worry – Instead of worrying all day, designate a 30-minute period of time If you find yourself worrying outside of that time, force your mind to another topic. Get creative, find solutions to your worries and then confront them head on.
Tip 4- Let go of control – Accept that some things are outside of your control. If you decide that there’s nothing you can do to change a situation…accept it and then let it go. The “Serenity” Prayer can help, “Change the things you cannot change and the wisdom to know the difference.”
Tip 5 – Cultivate appreciation – Practice an attitude of gratitude. You then shift your energy into a more positive space and open yourself up to experience more joy and love rather than stress. It also helps to plan fun and relaxing activities throughout your week with family and friends. Less worry, more joy!
If you need help learning how to meditate or getting into a deeper state, please contact me. Looking forward to hearing from you soon!
Wishing you peace,
Vicki
Vicki Atlas Israel is Meditation and Mindset Coach, Certified in Guided Imagery, and the Amazon bestselling Author of Inner Power Now. Vicki is passionate about helping children and parents feel less stressed, more calm, and happier.