We’ve been talking about anxiety for the past few weeks. That we are actually wired for anxiety and vigilance. But we can keep our fearfulness in check through cultivating resilience.
We then delved into the first step to cultivating resilience which is through dietary changes that include curbing sugar, increasing antioxidant vegetables and adding omega-3 fats. To read more about that click here.
I’d like to share with you a few more important actions you can take to reduce anxiety.
The next important step in creating resilience and reducing anxiety is to pay attention to rhythm.
I’m not suggesting that you add drumming to your schedule (although that might be helpful too…) but you need to focus on your body’s rhythm.
What exactly do I mean by rhythm?
Observing nature we see that there is a natural cycling or rhythm. Day and night, light and dark, the changing of the seasons – there is a constant movement between activity and rest, movement and stillness.
Understanding and following these rhythms is important for controlling anxiety.
You can and should use movement as a conduit for channeling and discharging stress, tension and worry. Allow your body to physically let go of tension. That means incorporating regular exercise into your life.
On the other hand you need to allow yourself time for rest, recovery and stillness. Time for quiet reflection. A chance to quiet your mind – from external and internal noise. That means shutting off the computer, cellphone, television etc. for a little while. Introduce activities like yoga, qi gong, or meditation.
Or combine movement and stillness by taking a quiet walk in nature. While you are out and moving try to clear your mind and focus on the beauty around you.
And of course – don’t overlook the obvious and most important rhythm – sleep.
Honoring your body’s circadian rhythm – the natural internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles is of prime importance.
Getting a good night’s sleep is paramount for building up resilience, lowering stress and inflammation in the body and just feeling good.
So when working on resilience – think about the rhythm of things:
- Engage in movement and exercise
- Allow your body to rest through quiet contemplative activity and restorative sleep
And if your sleep isn’t deep or restorative feel free to contact me so we can create a plan to get you some shut eye and set you back on the road to resilience.
