How To Calm Your Anxious Heart

Life can be a lot sometimes, too much to handle. We've all felt this, no one is exempt from feeling worry, dread, a stomach in knots, or a tight chest. Here are a few tips for your tool bag:

Gently Breathe

Isn't it funny that we talk about "breath work?" Breathing has become work. Often when we're stressed we hold our breath, our shoulders and neck tight, and chest like stone after holding an inhale for so long. You don't even realize you're barely exhaling.

Witness the pace at which you're breathing. Are you taking quick inhales and exhales? If so, slow it down.

As slow as you're able. In fact, try and slow everything down. Are you doing too much, trying to keep up with unsustainable standards? Tend to the slowest part inside of you, you're allowed to do this, I promise.

Imagine

The power of your imagination is stronger than you realize. Can you imagine being in a place where you feel peaceful? Imagine every detail about that place, sink deep into the five senses. What do you imagine you can see, taste, touch, smell, and hear? Embrace it all, as if it's happening.

Act as if…

Just pretend a little here. Act as if your teenager is at peace, the relationship you're stressed about is getting repaired or act as if the job you're searching for is already yours. If you could live this way, imagining and pretending and acting as if, you just may be able to shift the fearful mosh pit happening in your heart to a place of boundaries and kindness towards your worried self. And definitely be kind to yourself.

Acceptance

This is one that I'm still learning. Sometimes we need to lay down our armor and accept the season we're in. Maybe you're in winter on the inside. That's okay. Lean into it. Trust that spring is coming; but for now, with grace, accept where you're at, and know that transformation is mysterious, something good is happening on the inside.