6 Ways to Calm

6 Ways to Calm

Do you struggle with anxiety and feeling like you are buzzing? These are 6 of the most common ways to bring calm to your nervous system and your body.

Butterfly Hug: Cross your arms and put your thumbs together (resembles a butterfly), find your collarbone and allow your hands to tap back and forth under your collarbone. Notice what sensations appear in your chest - lightness, tingling, warmth, etc.

Go for a walk/run: This allows your nervous system to regulate, as you engage in bilateral stimulation (rhythmic right/left pattern that promotes relaxation and ease feelings of anxiety)

Square Breathing: This allows you to take deep and intentional breathes.
- Breathe in (count to 4 slowly)
- Hold your breathe (count to 4 slowly)
- Slowly exhale (count to 4 slowly)
- Repeat

Mindfulness/Meditation: This allows you to check back into the moment and re-establish safety and calm. The Calm App can be a great way to do a short meditation.
Engage your senses: This allows you to become present in the moment and calm your mind. 5,4,3,2,1 example:
Find 5 things that are blue
4 things that you can hear
3 things that you feel (legs on seat, arms on legs, etc.)
2 things that you smell
1 thing that you taste

Give yourself grace and compassion: Anxiety and fear can produce negative thoughts that can start to produce judgement towards yourself. By allowing yourself grace and understanding, the judgement can ease.