Feeling distracted? You’re not alone. In our fast-paced society, attention spans are practically non-existent. This inability to focus is particularly damaging to mental health. Constantly dwelling on the past and obsessing about the future means never being in touch with the here and now and that can lead to overwhelming anxiety.
The trick is to be present, or more mindful, more often. Easier said than done, right? However, there are some simple things you can do RIGHT NOW to cultivate a deeper sense of calm.
Quiet the Mind
Racing thoughts are one of the telltale symptoms of anxiety. Meditation allows you to slow down and detach from thoughts and feelings by simply observing them. If you’re new to meditating, try this simple practice: sit still every morning for two minutes and count your breath— “one” as you take in the first breath, then “two” as you breathe out. When you notice your mind wandering, smile, and simply gently return to your breath.
Clear the Clutter
A messy house is more than just an inconvenience; excessive clutter leads to increased levels of anxiety. If the state of your closet is keeping you up at night, don’t panic! Tackle it by setting a timer and cleaning as quickly as you can for 30 minutes. When the timer dings, you’re done. Repeat this activity each day until your space is clean and organized.
Hit the Sheets
Scientists have found that a lack of sleep may play a key role in activating brain regions that contribute to excessive worrying. For a more peaceful slumber, dim the lights and turn off all your devices and hour before bed. Dark light will send a signal to your brain that it’s time to power down and get some well-deserved zzzzzz’s.
Embrace an Herbal Approach
Whenever you’re feeling anxious, it’s a sign that your normal fight-or-flight response is out of sync. Adaptogens is a class of herbal remedies that restores that balance by reducing the output of stress-related hormones. Many common herbs possess adaptogenic properties including Korean and American ginseng, rhodiola, gynostemma, ashwaganda, suma, astragalus, schizandra and maca.
Finding peace in a world of chaos is far from impossible. But by slowing down and implementing just a few simple changes, you’ll be well on your way to making mindfulness an everyday habit.
