5 Things You Can Do to Calm an Anxious Heart

It seems that there is some sort of scary or depressing news at every corner. As a result, you would be hard-pressed to find someone who is not suffering from some sort of anxiety these days. Just last night I marveled at the incredibly long lines at the gas station while inwardly hoping that we won’t run out. 

Therefore, I want to share five quick ways you can calm an anxious heart.

1. Take a beat to breathe. I have an Apple watch and it has this semi-obnoxious feature where it buzzes every hour to remind me to breathe. Typically, I push the notification away and keep on with my busy day. I got to thinking about this the other day. I am literally being reminded to breathe and I am too busy to do it. Sure I breathe-we all do to live. But to take a moment. Release my shoulders from my ears. Inhale deeply and then exhale it all out. I don’t make time for that and my guess is that you don’t either. Try it once every hour. Report back and tell me if it helps. 
2. Brain dump. Sometimes I go to bed exhausted and quite positive that I am going to be asleep before my head hits the pillow. You know that type of tired, right? Your eyes are heavy, your body is weary. And then ping. I remember that it is teacher appreciation day. That I forgot (again) to fold the laundry in the washer. As a result, I don’t think the soccer uniform is dry. Did I respond to my friend’s text? The kids packed their lunches, right? Friends, let me introduce you to my new favorite app-Notes. Open that baby up and type allllllll these things on your phone. Dump them out and then drift off to sleep knowing you can handle it all tomorrow. Consequently, your brain will be able to shut off, and hopefully you will find rest. 
3. Walk. Just do it. Right now. I actually slipped a disc this year and the physical therapist told me it is directly related to a lack of movement. Consequently, I spent 6 weeks in pain. Walk now. Trust me on this one. The benefits are immense.  
4. Cry it out. Did you know that crying is actually extremely therapeutic? We continually stuff our emotions down because we do not have time to acknowledge that we are tired, overworked, scared, sad, angry. As a result, a good old-fashioned, ugly cry can cleanse the soul sometimes. 
5. Talk to someone. Friends, do not think for a moment that you are alone. We are all limping through life. Celebrating the highs and holding on tight through the lows. Above all, if you are struggling, find someone who will listen to you. If you can’t, the team here at All are Welcome are ready with open arms. We will be your person. We will listen.

Lastly, if you find yourself coping with struggles in an unhealthy way, we are linking an organization called The Recovery Village. Here you will find a team of experts who specialize in drug and alcohol recovery, mental illness, and other addiction treatment. In summary, do everything you can to take care of yourself. You are loved and needed. As always, all are welcome.