“Through meditation we can train our minds in such a way that negative qualities are abandoned and positive qualities are generated and enhanced.”
The Dalai Lama
It's so easy to get lost in the day to day activities, the responsibilities, the long list of to-do's, motherhood, marriage, etc. but we must learn to pause and "smell the roses". There are many benefits to taking a few minutes before you start your day to prepare your mind for what's to come. I, too, am guilty of jumping out of bed ready to tackle my day and I do so in an anxious and a not-so healthy way and this sets me up for anxiety and uneasiness for the rest of the day. Lately, I have been trying to find new ways to feel less anxious and less overwhelmed and I have managed my anxiety by relaxing and meditating. I don't believe in medicating myself for matters that are within my control. There is so much our subconscious mind is capable of. Easier said than done, I know. Like everything else in life, it takes practice and building good habits to make it part of your daily routine. Here are a few tips and tricks I picked up along the way that prove to be helpful, lead you to a less anxious state of mind and will improve your quality of life.
- Breathwork: Focus on breathing in and out in an intentional way. Inhale through your nostrils and exhale through your mouth. Practice breathing deep from your diaphragm. Days when I felt like I was having panic or anxiety attacks, I focused on my breathing and calming my mind and it worked to calm down my nervous system. Proper breathing is fundamental to our every day lives especially when we're stressed or when we're running a marathon. When your mind wanders from focusing on your breathing, bring it back.
- Be kind to your mind: Positive self-talk and manifesting what you want by the words you tell yourself can truly shape your thoughts and the rest of your day. You can practice healthy self-talk all day long but starting your day with positivity can really get you started with a positive mindset that you can take to the gym, to your workplace, as you wake up the kids for school and so on. Old habits die hard so if you were used to negative self-talk for many years stemming from your childhood then it is going to take work on your part to rewire your brain. Every day is a chance to get better so take it one day at a time.
- Get comfortable: Find a peaceful and quite place to meditate every morning even if it's just for 5-10 minutes. Relax and let your mind unwind without thinking of all the tasks you have in front of you. Get comfortable and let your body rest. You can also meditate before bed as you lay down and rest your head on the pillow. Make it as comfortable as possible. Dim the lights and get rid of any distractions.
