Sometimes, your anxious thoughts can overwhelm you, making it difficult to complete even the simplest everyday tasks. Once you get trapped in a cycle of overthinking and self-doubt, finding ways to ground yourself can be difficult. 

But that’s exactly what you need to learn how to do. Instead of repressing your thoughts and dismissing them, embody strategies that address the underlying cause of your anxiety. 

Many of us experience triggering situations or occurrences that unravel our minds and send us in a downward spiral. When that happens, the best you can do is try to remember to be kind to yourself, and take deep breaths.

Here are some other strategies that can help: 

Get moving 

Distract your mind with a mental exercise or, better yet, a physical activity.

The best thing you could do for your anxious mind is to break the mental loop of irrational thoughts. Take a step back and head out for a walk, workout, practice yoga, or dance your anxious energy away! 

Learn the art of forgiveness 

And start with yourself.

Learning how to forgive yourself is essential, so you don’t blame yourself for “not knowing better.”

Sometimes, we forget that we’re all trying to do the best we can and that the journey toward healing or managing our anxiety is not linear.

Create a relaxing environment around you 

Think about your favorite smells or the kind of music that calms you down. A cup of hot chamomile tea or a glass of cold water or even cuddling with your pet are all sensory experiences that can tackle sensory overload. 

Even some personal space or time alone in your favorite spot for a few minutes can give you the ability to collect your thoughts. Drawing a spa-like bath isn’t an option for everyone, so it’s good to find little ways that go a long way in calming you down. 

Disengage, but be present 

Anxious thoughts are usually a consequence of experiencing a fight/flight/freeze response to your emotional trigger. While most people emphasize facing your fears and fighting the feeling, it should be up to you to decide if you feel safe enough to do so. 

The only time we can respond to something is when we feel comfortable and empowered. This is why it’s important to ground yourself and leave the place or situation that’s making you anxious, if possible.

Once you feel you’re safe—and this means different things for all of us—you can recognize the present moment by awakening the mind’s eye. 

If you want to treat your subconscious anxiety and are looking for ways to calm an anxious mind, it might be time to give hypnotherapy a try. Rekha Shrivastava works on building self-esteem among her clients, connecting them with their inner selves.

Book your free consultation today at our office in Pittsford or avail our online sessions via Skype.

Not ready to book an appointment? Learn how self-hypnosis can help you recover from PTSD and depression.