The FUN door out of anxiety

The FUN Door Out of Anxiety

Why Are You So Anxious?

Have you ever wondered why you’re experiencing more anxiety now than you did a few years ago? Why is it that you wake up feeling anxious, unable to handle as much as you once could?

The World is Anxious

Our brains naturally have a negativity bias. For example, if you see a spider and a puppy at the same time, which one do you think your brain will focus on? Unfortunately, it's often the spider, and this bias can send us into an anxiety spiral that's hard to break.

This isn’t just a personal issue; it's a global cultural phenomenon:

• Social Media

• News Cycles

• Everyday Conversations with Family and Strangers

Our current culture is over-stimulated, constantly fighting for our attention, often through negative or fear-inducing content. Even if you don’t actively seek out negative information, chances are you'll encounter it.

We can't control our external environment, but we can control our internal one by managing:

• What We Read

• Our Conversations: Try setting an alarm for 12:00 PM one day and only think and say positive things until it goes off. Notice how you feel afterward.

• What We Listen To

• Our Morning Routines: Make it non-negotiable to not look at your phone first thing in the morning.

• The Words We Use

Step 1: Prioritize Peace of Mind

To manage anxiety, begin with your mind:

• Recognize that your environment can be anxiety-inducing.

• Make peace a priority, or risk burnout.

Step 2: Create Your Sanctuary

Start by transforming your home into a sanctuary and practice Kind Internal Self-Talk (KIST):

• Gardening: Create a small herb garden.

• Decor: Use paintings and plants.

• Polyvagal Theory: Seek glimmers of hope and inspiration.

• Special Room: Create a space filled with things that make you smile.

• Nature: Spend time outside to improve mental function.

• Creativity: Don’t give up your creative outlets; they can be incredibly soothing.

Your body is like an animal; it needs care and love, much like yoga for some people. You can't calm an anxious animal with force.

Step 3: Engage with Your Anxiety

Fighting anxiety often worsens it. Instead, invite your anxiety into your sanctuary and converse with it:

• Bring your runaway mind into the present.

• Smell the leaves of a plant, practice yoga, or engage in breathing exercises.

When anxious, ask yourself, “Am I in danger right now?” If the answer is no, retreat to your sanctuary.

Anxiety Management Techniques

Night routines can significantly impact anxiety management:

• Positive Self-Talk

• Compliments

• Preparation of the Environment

The best mental state is one of curiosity:

• It prevents the brain from immediately labeling situations as good or bad, allowing relaxation.

• Curiosity is the secret doorway out of anxiety—and into creativity.

Step 4: Permission to Have Fun

Give yourself permission to have FUN; it lights up your brain!

• Neurographic Art: Draw curving lines to calm anxious thoughts.

• Dancing: Experience the liberation and expressiveness of dance.

• Yoga, Poetry, Writing Music, Jokes, Cooking: All these activities can help reduce anxiety.

These simple pleasures can light up the creative side of your brain and diminish anxiety.

When to Practice These Techniques

The beauty of these techniques is that they can be practiced whenever it suits you:

• Night Time

• Before Work

• Anytime

Be honest with your family and let them know when you need time for these activities. For instance, wake up earlier to paint and then dive into other tasks feeling more fulfilled.

Ready to Transform Your Relationship with Anxiety?

Are you ready to unlock your inner power and thrive from within? If you found these tips valuable and want to dive deeper into managing anxiety and creating a sanctuary of peace, I’d love to hear from you!

Reach Out:

Feel free to email me at [email protected] with any questions or to share your experiences. I’m here to support you on your journey to a more peaceful, anxiety-free life.

Let's start a conversation! Share your thoughts, experiences, or any additional tips in the comments below. Together, we can create a supportive community that thrives on positivity and growth.

Take the first step towards reclaiming your peace and living fully. I’m excited to hear from you!