Change is always there. But, light is also always there also. When we go through pain and suffering it is easy to get stuck. Often times we become uninspired, possibly lose faith, begin eating unhealthy, surrounding ourselves with darkness from the shows we choose to watch to the books we choose to read. Darkness is always there. But, light shines through every nook and cranny, every crack in every wall. Light shines at the end of every dark alley. You get the idea. We always have a choice.
“Whatever comes our way, whatever battle we have raging inside of us, we always have a choice. It is our choices that makes us who we are, and we always have a choice to do what's right ~ Let love and forgiveness reign.”
- Spiderman 3
I've learned the more I resist change the more anxiety builds. Anxiety feeds off of worry, fear and darkness begins to latch on us like a leech. The more anxiety which is fed, the more crippled we become. I've often related this to the symbiote in Spider Man. Anxiety is like a symbiote. It envelops its host and creates a bond through which the host's mind can be influenced. But, when we meditate, pray and surround ourselves with the support of friends and family we allow ourselves to flow naturally through the changes that are taking place in our lives. We soften and remain open.
It's hard work. But, possible. Here are three steps to take charge of anxiety before it takes charge of you.
1. Meditation - Look up Mindful Meditation or add the Stop, Breathe & Think app to your phone. The app allows you to choose your mood and a meditation will be chosen for you based off of your emotions. Meditation allows the brain to redirect itself by creating new pathways. You may experience the anxiety creeping in begging for your attention, but avoid it by inhaling deeply. As you breath in imagine your breath gathering up your worries. Release them through a slow and steady exhale.
2. Diet - Stay away from the heat! Spicy foods add more fire to the fire. Avoid refined sugar and heavy foods that make you feel heavy and sluggish afterward. Eat often and carry a snack like fresh fruit or carrot sticks with you when traveling. Also, drink plenty of water! A friend of mine says she drinks her water at every red light during her commute to and from work.
3. Exercise - Go hiking! Exercise helps fight depression. Try going for a walk or hike for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Nature helps clear the cob webs! If you have a dog take them with you! If you are up for the challenge find a moderate to advanced hike in your area. The more exercise the better!
It's hard work. But, possible. Here are three steps to take charge of anxiety before it takes charge of you.
1. Meditation - Look up Mindful Meditation or add the Stop, Breathe & Think app to your phone. The app allows you to choose your mood and a meditation will be chosen for you based off of your emotions. Meditation allows the brain to redirect itself by creating new pathways. You may experience the anxiety creeping in begging for your attention, but avoid it by inhaling deeply. As you breath in imagine your breath gathering up your worries. Release them through a slow and steady exhale.
2. Diet - Stay away from the heat! Spicy foods add more fire to the fire. Avoid refined sugar and heavy foods that make you feel heavy and sluggish afterward. Eat often and carry a snack like fresh fruit or carrot sticks with you when traveling. Also, drink plenty of water! A friend of mine says she drinks her water at every red light during her commute to and from work.
3. Exercise - Go hiking! Exercise helps fight depression. Try going for a walk or hike for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Nature helps clear the cob webs! If you have a dog take them with you! If you are up for the challenge find a moderate to advanced hike in your area. The more exercise the better!
