How to Reduce Anxiety and Live a Happier Life with this Simple Practice
Anxiety is becoming more common these days and is often described as a feeling of unease, worry or fear. There can be many causes of anxiety but it is usually a combination of factors, both internal and external. Stress can make anxiety worse and there is a lot of stress around at the moment!
When you are feeling anxious it can be a result of the worrying thoughts you are thinking and the story you are telling yourself about certain things or situations on a daily basis, some of which may or may not be true. Our thoughts affect our emotions and the way we feel. If you tend to constantly focus on all the bad things that are happening in life there is little room to notice the good and you will feel more anxious. In today's crazy world this is all too common and you are not alone but there is a simple way to train yourself out of this negative behaviour – it's called gratitude.
Are you constantly looking at the negative?
If you are constantly focusing on the negative then you live your life looking out of a dirty window. From the inside looking out nothing looks good. You probably wake up with a feeling of anxiety and dread, hating your life and thinking of all you lack and all that is wrong and all that could go wrong. You tend to complain about anything and everything from the traffic, the weather, the queue at the shop, your untidy kids, inconsiderate partner, the list could go on when you are in this frame of mind! You focus on a bad comment from someone and let it bother you all day instead of the nice comment from somebody else. If someone is late you take it personally.
You feel like the universe is conspiring against you and so you feel anxious waiting for the next thing to come along to rock your boat and upset you and trust me it will as this is the nature of being alive! We can all have bad days when everything gets to us but if this is sounding familiar and a regular pattern then maybe it is time to clean up the window!
How to practice gratitude and change to the positive
One small step to help turn this around is to try practising gratitude. Gratitude is one of many positive emotions and can be described as a feeling of appreciation. You can start this practice as soon as you wake up to create a less anxious and happier day for yourself.
As soon as you wake up be thankful that you are alive to see another day instead of worrying about what may be ahead of you.
Be grateful that you are able to get out of bed, even if you feel tired.
Focus on something that makes you feel good like the smell of coffee, if that is your thing.
Be thankful that you have running water to take a shower.
Be grateful you have clothes to wear.
If you don't have a job then appreciate that you have more time to do something you enjoy.
Be grateful for your health if you have it as this is your true wealth.
Notice the sights and sounds of nature if you are fortunate enough to have nature around you. If not then just be grateful for being able to hear and for your sight and try to look at something nice.
Be grateful for your family even though they may wind you up!
If you have a good friend to talk to then be grateful for that too.
You may not want to walk the dog in the rain but be thankful you still have your furry companion.
Maybe you just missed the bus and now you are going to be late but try to be grateful for the opportunity of a walk to boost your health!
The list is endless when you really try and look for the good in life. You may be going through hard times but give this a try. It will help. When you turn your attention to the good it can make you feel less anxious and appreciate your life more and feel happier. Also by focusing on the good you tend to attract more good to you.
This is obviously not a cure for anxiety but every little helps. If you are struggling with anxiety it is no fun and it can have a massive impact on your life and health and well-being. The good news is that there are many more ways to reduce anxiety such as breathing exercises and mindfulness to name but a few. You can find these and many more in the Re-connect 3 Month Anxiety Program.
Sharon K
Holistic Health and Wellness Coach
Reiki Master/Teacher
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Disclaimer
For general informational purposes only and not intended to replace medical advice
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