Meditation is Often the Answer

Are you in “Worry Mode”? Have you ever found yourself launching right into “worry mode” immediately upon awakening? As soon as you open your eyes (and sometimes even right before) you’re thinking about a conversation you might have, worrying about a child, a spouse, a parent, concerned about work, or health, or finances? Have you also noticed that you can sometimes carry that “worry mode” around with you all day long? The good news is there are a few things you can do to help when you find yourself dwelling on potential difficulties or troubles. These techniques can help relieve the anxiety that often go hand in hand with worry. First of all, respect your feelings. This article is in no way intended to sweep aside any legitimate concerns you may have about what is happening in your life. I’m not asking you to pretend that everything is perfect in every moment of your life. However, calming your mind can lead to significant health benefits in addition to helping you deal with whatever challenges you face with a more peaceful and clear head. Finding peace involves unplugging from your current situation, and can be as simple as just clearing your head and focusing on your breath, listening to music, going for a walk, coming to Jazzercise, calling a friend, reading from an inspirational text, taking a nap, and of course, my favorite, guided meditation. A simple breathing exercise that can also help involves sitting comfortably and inhaling for a count of four, holding your breath in for a count of two, exhaling for a count of four and holding that exhale for a count of two. This is called rectangular breathing. It is very effective in helping to achieve what I call a present moment state: being in the moment, not worrying about the future, or reliving the past. Just simply being. Unplugging and focusing your mind away from that which seeks to control you is no easy task. Your thinking / worrying mind will always try to pull you back into “worry mode.” However, worry induces stress and anxiety, and their effects on the body are detrimental. For those reasons, please pay attention when your mind is guiding you into places that cause you stress. Don’t feel defeated if you find yourself flipping back to “worry mode” again and again after you’ve calmed it. This is a practice, and the benefits mentioned above are such that it’s worth the work. Just like any good workout, gains are realized over time. With practice, you’ll begin to be able to recognize your stressed state and adjust again and again. Remember I’m always here to help! Much love, Karen E.