It’s hard to make sense of one heartbreaking crisis after another.
No surprise you might be feeling more anxiety than ever.
Which is why I want to address two simple ways to truly ground yourself.
I use these myself and with my clients during “normal times” and they’re even more needed.
HEADS UP: They are easy which means they are also easy to overlook.
Do not dismiss the simplicity of these. It’s the simple stuff that usually works best.
Number one: Deep breathing.
Its effect is nearly instant.
It works at the physiological level to automatically slow your heart rate and instantly calm your body systems.
That means when you’re stressed, don’t know your next step, feel like the whole world is coming down on you…
Which by the way, shows up as stuckness, procrastination, running in circles, or completely shutting down…
Deep breathing is your B.F.F.
The best part about this is that it can be done anywhere, anytime, in any situation.
- Completely overwhelmed by the news? Take 10 deep breaths.
- Stressed out by your demands? Inhale for 3 counts, exhale for 3 counts.
- Confused about your next action? Slowly breathe in and out from your diaphragm.
If you’re thinking, I know I should be doing this but I don’t know how to regulate my breaths or it’s just too much to think about, I feel your pain.
Which is why I love to couple this practice with a guided meditation.
That way all I have to do is listen.
No counting breaths. No thinking.
Just listen to the words.
I use a phone app called Insight Timer but there are plenty of free meditation apps you can download.
One of my faves is a one-minute guided meditation. Some words are:
“…Relax your jaw. Relax your shoulders. Notice how different each breath is from the next. It’s the same with life. One day, one moment. Different from the next. Everchanging, ever-evolving…Just for this moment come back to harmony. You are safe. You are accepted. You are forgiven. And you are loved.”
Don’t you feel more relaxed already?
You don’t need to be a shaman in the Himalayas to use good breathing and meditative practices.
Invest one to five minutes throughout your day to relax your mind, body, and senses.
Quieting your voices and your anxiety is the simplest and most powerful gift you can give yourself.
Because true power comes from clarity.
It helps remind me that no matter what’s going on in the world, there’s a path ahead rooted in love, compassion, and radical kindness.
I hope this inspires you to stay connected to your heart and to your joy, especially right now.
With immense love and gratitude,
Mridu
P.S. Know someone dealing with stress right now? Give ’em the encouragement and tools they need by forwarding this email.
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