How staying present can help with anxiety 

Do you fit the definition of a worrywart? which is a person who is inclined to worry unduly.

If that’s the case for you, you’re not alone! Millions of people across the globe suffer from excessive worrying and stress. Unfortunately, if left untreated it can contribute to an array of minor to severe issues like sleeping problems and even worse, anxiety.

Just because you don't see it, doesn't mean it's not there! Anxiety is a mental health condition that is more common than you might think, and it can appear in many forms. From constant stress and worrying, to irritability, digestive upset, fatigue and feelings of impending doom. Sound familiar? Luckily you can start improving your symptoms today with this one valuable piece of advice! 

Combat anxiety by staying present

Instead of focusing on the future and what you can’t control, make an effort to focus on staying present, and pay more attention to what’s happening right now.

This golden mind hack can help keep your worry at bay, and as a result lower anxiety and improve your mood simply by appreciating the now. This hack really works because it is near impossible to be anxious when you’re so focused on the present. 

How to stay present

By practicing the best tool in the books: mindfulness. Mindfulness is a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique. However, it’s much easier said than done. This takes practice and something that is recommended to be done daily. But don’t forget that you're still human and there are many distractions in life aka it's normal to worry sometimes and not be perfect. However, the goal is to mesh this practice into your daily routine so it becomes apparent and natural to you and therefore very effective.  

Practicing mindfulness

Simple ways to begin are by becoming more aware of your worry and anxiousness, when you recognize your head is all wrapped up in future concerns, try to talk yourself down from it. You can say something like this to yourself: I’m using this moment as an opportunity and reminder to stay more present and focus on what’s happening right now. Don’t be upset at yourself if your mind goes astray, you’re human after all! 

In addition to simply becoming more aware of your thoughts and reminding yourself to stay present, mindful meditation is the next step. Take control of your thoughts by using this ancient practice and start feeling like your happy, worry-free self again.

“If you want to conquer the anxiety of life,

live in the moment, live in the breath.”

― Amit Ray

How to practice mindful meditation:

• Take a seat in a comfortable position on the floor
• Set a timer for 5-20 minutes depending on how much time you have
• Close your eyes and start to notice your body and how it’s feeling
• Feel your breath as it goes in and out
• Notice when your mind is wandering, then return attention to your breath 
• Be nice to your wandering mind, don’t get upset with yourself just come back to the present moment 

If you’ve mastered the art of mindful meditation and want to take it up a notch here are three daily mindful practices you can incorporate into your life:

1. Wake up with a purpose by starting your day with an intention
2. Eat mindfully by enjoying the flavours in your mouth and chewing your food
3. Do a mindful workout that will activate your mind and keep you present such as yoga