Reducing Anxiety

GROUNDING OBJECTS

Look here to understand what a grounding object can do to help you when you suffer with social anxiety...

"Stay close to the small and free things that comfort your soul."
- Lalah Delia

This can be any object of your choice, think; small pebble, crystal, button....something that represents a positive connection only. Maybe something a loved one gave you...or it could be something as simple as a paperclip!

Whatever it is, place it in your pocket and when you are out in social situations and it is beginning to feel strained due to your anxiety, hold onto this object, breathe (see box breathing) and allow your anxiety to begin to fade away. Allow positive, comforting thoughts to fill your mind, and relax into your breathing once more.

BOX/SQUARE BREATHING

Look here to learn a breathing technique which can help to reduce anxiety after just a few repetitions.

"WHEN THE BREATH WANDERS THE MIND IS UNSTEADY, BUT WHEN THE BREATH IS CALMED, THE MIND TOO WILL BE STILL."
- hATHA yOGA PRADIPIKA

See diagram below, a simple yet effective tool to help calm your nervous system, which will in turn calm your anxiety. Do this before the anxiety grows, and it will help to stop further physical anxiety symptoms from occuring.