How Can Mindfulness Practices Help Deal with Anxiety

Anxiety often leaves you feeling restless, worried, and stressed. The constant thoughts racing through your mind could leave you mentally exhausted and physically drained. Making up scenarios in your head that might never happen in real life is a genuine issue that you need to deal with.

Controlling your thoughts and managing your emotions is not an easy task, but you can get started on the journey with mindfulness practices and help from experts like The Human Condition.

What are Mindfulness Practices?

Mindfulness is the capability to be completely present in the now. It is about focusing on what is present in front of you, right now in the current moment. It is about concentrating on the task you are performing and not letting your mind wander, dredging up past incidents, or being overwhelmed by the future.

Anxiety could show physical effects on your body. For example, your heart rate could increase and you might have difficulty breathing. In some cases, you may even feel nauseous or lightheaded. Mindfulness practices revolve around simple tasks which are performed repetitively. The repetitive pattern helps your mind focus better and helps deal with roving thoughts.

Different Mindfulness Practices That Could Help Deal with Anxiety

Meditate

Several studies have found that meditation practice could help deal with conditions such as anxiety, depression, and stress. Find yourself a comfortable area to sit in, relax and concentrate on your breathing. Focus on your breathing; when thoughts cloud your mind, do not indulge in them, instead draw your attention back to your breathing. Visit resources like The Human Condition for more information.

Write Your Thought with Journaling

Maintain a journal. It is up to you how and when you want to journal. For example, you could start a routine of journaling for 5 minutes every morning or let your thoughts fill the pages up at the end of the day. Try to consistently journal for better results.

Use Art for Mindful Practice

You could pick up a coloring book, doodle, paint landscapes, draw a mandala, or sketch lines and circles across the page. The repetitive pattern of the drawings helps you get into a flow and center your thoughts.

Go for a Walk or a Jog

If you enjoy the outdoors, then indulge in a walking or jogging session every day. Instead of popping in those earphones, try walking with complete awareness of the surroundings you are in. You could go for a walk in a garden or drive down the beach and feel the cool waters at your feet while you walk.

Focusing on Menial Tasks

If you cannot take time out of your busy schedule, then introduce mindfulness in the different menial tasks you perform during the day. For example, you are dusting or vacuuming, washing utensils, folding dry laundry, or even cooking, be mindful of the task at hand. Your mind might always be wandering, but gently pull it back towards the present.

The mindfulness practices mentioned above are a starting point to get you started on the journey of healing. You can find mindful exercises like cooking, reading, running, or just enjoying a cup of coffee soaking in the morning sun. For more information on mindfulness practices, you can visit trusted sites like The Human Condition.