The Secrets for Staying Present to Ease Bipolar’s Anxiety
Negative thought patterns may hinder our true self-expression. These strategies can help reduce anxiety, stress, and the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Our peak states of being — those moments of calm or joy — often occur when we are deeply anchored in the present, rather than entangled in past ruminations or future worries. If the grip of anxiety, or perhaps the challenges of bipolar disorder symptoms, have you in their hold, the key to liberating your mind and being present for yourself can be found in the following six strategies.1. Feel the Appreciation
While the practices of maintaining a gratitude journal and consciously cultivating grateful thoughts are beneficial, the real magic unfolds when we link our emotions to these experiences. For instance, if you find yourself appreciating a kind act someone has done for you and you choose to record it in your gratitude journal, it becomes infinitely more powerful when you pause to vividly envision that person and re-experience the emotional depth of that moment. The true gift of gratitude lies in embracing not just the act, but the emotion it invokes.
2. Show Compassion for Others
When we’re focused on being kind toward someone else or providing a service for another person, we can’t simultaneously focus on our own stressors or negativity. Doing something for others needn’t be elaborate: Send a silly text message to someone out of the blue or invite an acquaintance or old friend out for coffee. Plus, when we are charitable to others, it releases feel-good hormones that can give a boost to our emotions and our sense of self.
3. Soothe Your Soul
Try to do something good for yourself every day. It can be something small, like taking the time to read for a few minutes, treating yourself to that new album you’ve been wanting to purchase for a while, or even packing up a picnic for one and heading to the park. Make time for yourself and really pamper your soul — without feeling guilty for looking after yourself.
4. Calm Your Mind
At times, the perfect antidote to life’s daily stresses is a simple diversion. This might take the form of unwinding in front of your favorite TV shows, losing yourself in a new book, or giving reign to your creativity with a pen, pencil, or crayon for an impromptu doodling session. If you’re among those who grapple with intrusive thoughts during mindfulness practices, consider the variety of 10-minute guided meditations accessible online, specifically designed to foster self-confidence or calm your nerves.
5. Laugh Out Loud
While laughter is sometimes neglected or deemed an afterthought, deliberately seeking out humor on a daily basis can significantly alleviate stress and tension. Consider creating a dedicated humor repository on your computer, where you can compile all the amusing content you encounter or receive, such as videos, images, jokes, memes, and more. By conveniently placing this digital treasure chest on your desktop or home screen, you ensure easy access to a wealth of lighthearted amusement whenever you need a pick-me-up.
6. Foster Connection with Others
The importance of human connection cannot be overstated — it helps us feel supported, and it also shapes who we are. Positive relationships make us feel better about ourselves, and they can also make us stronger when we face tough times. There are so many ways to make connections, online or face-to-face, and there are even apps that can help. You could join online groups that match your interests, or just ask a friend to go for a walk in the neighborhood. The ways to connect are endless, all you have to do is reach out.
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