Mastering the first and last thought of the day and implementing controlled breathing exercises can help manage and reduce anxiety.
Avoiding immediate phone use upon waking up can lead to better mental well-being and set a foundation for a balanced and focused day.
Deep dives
Managing Anxious and Worry-filled Thoughts
Many people struggle with anxious and worry-filled thoughts on a daily basis. These thoughts can be related to various aspects of life, such as health, work, family, or global events. While it may not be possible to completely eliminate these thoughts, it is important to have strategies and methods to overcome and manage them. The key is to develop a game plan and action steps to work through these thoughts and feelings. By acknowledging the commonality of these thoughts and actively implementing strategies to cope with them, individuals can find relief and better mental well-being.
Understanding Anxiety and Its Manifestations
Anxiety is a common experience, with research showing that over 31% of individuals in the US will experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetime. Anxiety can manifest in different ways, including excessive worrying, restlessness, irritability, muscle tension, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, fatigue, heart palpitations, sweating, and upset stomach or nausea. These physical and emotional symptoms show that anxiety affects the whole body, not just the mind. It is essential to be aware of these manifestations and recognize that anxiety can affect anyone, regardless of prior beliefs about its presence in their life.
Practical Strategies for Managing Anxiety
Implementing practical strategies can make a significant difference in managing anxiety. Two powerful techniques are mastering the first and last thought of the day and implementing controlled breathing exercises. By consciously choosing positive and calming thoughts as the first and last thoughts of the day, individuals can create a more peaceful beginning and ending to their day, which can have a positive impact on overall well-being. Similarly, controlled breathing exercises, such as ocean breathing or breathing in patterns, can help activate the relaxation response, lower heart rate, and reduce stress levels. Additionally, leveraging the power of scent and sound, such as using essential oils or calming music, can further aid in calming the mind and reducing anxiety. Practicing visualization and rehearsing challenging situations can also help individuals feel more prepared and confident, reducing anxiety in these circumstances. Finally, being aware of triggers, writing down worries, and seeking knowledge through books and podcasts can provide valuable insights and practical solutions for managing anxiety.
The Impact of Morning Phone Use on Mental Well-being
Using your phone first thing in the morning can have a negative impact on your mental well-being. The brain naturally moves through different states as it wakes up, and immediate exposure to external stimuli, such as news alerts or work-related messages, can hijack these natural processes. This can lead to increased stress levels, decreased attention, and a negative stress response throughout the day. It is recommended to focus on a calm and intentional morning routine that allows the brain to gradually transition into a fully awake state without being bombarded by external information. By reclaiming time for mental well-being and avoiding immediate phone use upon waking up, individuals can set a better foundation for a balanced and focused day.
Are you often plagued by anxious and worrying thoughts, feeling uncertain about how to tackle them?
Have you recently experienced the weight of anxiety? How did it impact your day-to-day life?
Welcome to the On Purpose podcast! Today, we will embark on a discovery to master the art of working through anxiety and embracing a more serene mind.
Let's discover the power of setting intentions with your first and last thoughts of the day, the sacred practice of breathwork to shift the rhythm of your life, and the captivating world of scents and fragrances, offering transformative solace.
Moreover, there is immerse power in visualization to draw out genuine emotions and the therapeutic release through journaling to transform worries into clarity.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- How anxious thoughts can impact your daily activities
- The action steps to reset your mindset
- How to master the flow your thoughts
- The different ways to turn anxiousness into positive actions
Join us on this soul-stirring episode to nurture a tranquil and focused mind, and cultivate a sanctuary of peace and wisdom within yourself.
With Love and Gratitude,
Jay Shetty
What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro
01:22 A lot of us often have anxious and worry thoughts yet we don’t always have a gameplan to work through them
07:09 Have you recently experienced feeling anxious? What was your experience like?
09:56 Step #1: How do you need to master your first and last thought of the day?
13:49 Step #2: When you change the pace of your breath, you change the pace of your life.
18:06 Step #3: The power of scents and fragrances can transform how you feel
20:25 Step #4: Listening to one of your favorite songs or music may be a great short-term way of dealing with stress
21:32 Step #5: When you live something out in a visualization, it allows you to feel the emotions
26:04 Step #6: Get it out of your head and write it onto a page
27:21 Step #7: Read and listen about the things that you’re scared about