Hey there, friends! Today, I want to have a heart-to-heart and share with you my five trusty tools that I turn to when I need to soothe my anxiety and rediscover that inner peace we all crave.
You know, life can get a bit overwhelming, and I find myself trapped in my head more often than I'd like.
But you know what? I'm definitely not alone in this, and that's why I want to open up and let you in on my secret toolbox for grounding myself when things start to feel like a chaotic whirlwind.
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of these tools, let me explain why this is crucial for me.
When I'm stuck in my head, it's like a slippery slope. I go from feeling grounded and connected to floating in a sea of anxious thoughts.
It's not a pretty sight, let me tell you.
I become irritable, short-tempered, and that's not the version of me I want to be.
So, having these tools at my disposal is like having a lifeline to pull me back when I start to drift away.
First things first, it's essential for me to be aware of the signs when anxiety starts to creep in.
For me, it often manifests as tension in my jaw, raised shoulders, and a stiff neck.
Sometimes, it even leads to pesky lower back pains.
The key is to notice these physical cues and then take action.
Nature Mantra: This one's a real gem. When I'm out for a walk, especially in a nature-rich environment, I use a simple practice I call my "nature mantra." I visualise negativity and anxious thoughts leaving my body through my feet and sinking into the earth. It's a powerful way to ground yourself in the present moment.
Box Breathing: When I feel my breathing becoming shallow during stressful moments, I turn to box breathing. It's a technique where you inhale for a count of four, hold for a count of four, and exhale for a count of four. This signals to your body that you're safe and helps calm the fight-or-flight response.
Left Nostril Breathing: This one might sound a bit unusual, but it works wonders. By breathing only through your left nostril, you activate the body's calming response. It's a practice I've come to love and use regularly to calm my nerves quickly.
EFT Tapping: Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) tapping is like magic for me. Although I do it in the privacy of my home, it's incredibly effective. It involves tapping on specific meridian points on your face while addressing and shifting negative beliefs. It might look a bit strange, but it works wonders.
Meditation: Last but not least, meditation is my daily ritual. But here's the thing: there's no one-size-fits-all approach to meditation. It's about finding what works for you. It could be breathwork, guided meditations, or simply losing yourself in music. The key is to explore until you find your meditation groove.
If you're ready to take your journey to the next level and explore heart-centred leadership, I invite you to join me in the "Rise Up and Lead with Heart" membership.
It's not about me being the guru; it's about us growing together.
This community is all about shifting from egocentric to heart-centred leadership, from head to heart, and harmonising ambition with inner peace.
It's time to awaken the courageous, confident, and purposeful leader within you.
You can find more details and the link in the podcast description.
Thank you for spending this moment with me.
Have a beautiful day, and remember, we're in this together.
With love and light,
Caroline 💫
Rise Up & Lead With Heart ❤️: https://www.newhorizoncoaching.com.au/rise-up-and-lead-membership