Perrysburg Pulse Magazine Perrysburg Pulse October | Page 21

L
ast week was an
intensely stressful week
for me to say the least.
So on top of the lengthy
to-do list I had, and the
heaps of studying I had to finish.
I’m sitting at work, and I get a
text from my boyfriend reminding
me that I have a doctor’s
appointment. I involuntarily freak
out, knowing I have to get two
shots throughout my checkup.
When I was a child, I was
utterly terrified of needles and
not much has changed. On the
floor sobbing, I can’t catch my
breath. I will avoid going near
any needle at all cost, so just the
thought of visiting the doctor
gave me a full-on panic attack.
I was anxious the whole night
and couldn’t focus on anything.
Oftentimes our fears and phobias
can leave us with a restless mind.
We tend to get exceptionally
anxious before a substantial
event, or in my case a doctor’s
appointment. Here are some of
the ways I soothe an uneasy mind.
1. GO FOR A WALK
Nature has been proven to
help everything from ADHD
to productivity. If you have
ever taken a walk in the park,
completed a hike, or a bike ride
outdoors you know how much
joy can come from such a simple
act. A 25-minute walk in the
fresh cool air does miracles for the
mind and the body. There is truly
nothing more calming than sitting
in a park or a peaceful forest to
clear your head. Be sure not to
bring your phone or any type
of electronics so you can truly
unplug. Unplugging is great for
the soul and any anxious thoughts
you may be having. Taking a
walk outside is the perfect time
to turn off the phone and be fully
present in the moment. Bring
along your friends or a family
member for some extra laughs.
2. MEDITATE FOR
15 MINUTES
Meditation helps to quiet an
overactive mind. If you are
feeling restless meditation
helps to get rid of fearful racing
thoughts. Meditating has
tremendous benefits but can
be intimidating for a beginner.
I started meditating every day
almost six months ago, and it has
been amazing for my health and
well-being. Let me tell you now
it is not an easy thing and takes
lots of practice and concentration.
The benefits make it worth the
effort. Meditation improves your
immune system, lowers blood
pressure, and of course reduces
stress. If you’re not sure how to
meditate there are plenty of videos
to walk you through the process.
3. UNPLUG (NO EMAILS
OR SOCIAL MEDIA)
Many of us have an unhealthy
attachment to our phones and
social media. If you want to put
your mind at ease stay offline,
especially social media. It can
be a cause of unneeded stress
and anxiety. You don’t need any
stress on top of stress already
present. Relax, and take a break
from social media. The emails
will still be there waiting for
you when you come back.
4. PRACTICE GRATITUDE
When you are in a place of
gratitude, you will feel so much
more composed, and at peace. I
like to think about all the beauty
currently in my life. When
my mind is feeling anxious it
helps me to feel calm and that
things are going to be okay.
5. LISTEN TO YOUR
FAVORITE TUNES OR
CALMING SOUNDS
Music seriously can do wonders
for a restless mind, it soothes
the mind, and gives it rest.
21
Close your eyes and put on
your favorite songs. If music
proves to be too much, turn
on some soothing sounds.
6. CRY IT OUT
Sometimes all you really need
is to just let it all out. When
you’re done you will feel so
much better. Crying is a natural
and healthy human response
to disappointment and sorrow.
It is a natural way to get rid of
emotional stress, and when it
is left unchecked it can even
have negative physical effects
on the body. So go ahead and
let it all out; when you’re done
you will feel 10 times better.
7. TAKE A LONG
RELAXING BATH
A warm bath gets rid of tensed
muscles and puts you in a relaxing
mindset. Light some candles, and
throw in some Lush bath bombs
to further set the soothing mood.
8. SLEEP IT OFF
Jump into some comfortable
pajamas and give yourself a break
for a while. Not only will you feel
refreshed, you will give your mind
a break from racing thoughts.
9. READ YOUR FAVORITE
BOOK OR BLOG
Instead of watching television
or scrolling through your social
media feed grab your favorite
book. Preferably one you’ve
read before, this way your mind
doesn’t need to travel too far.
10. PRACTICE
MINDFULNESS
Focus on being aware of the
present moment. Calmly
acknowledge how you are feeling
and the thoughts you are having.
Don’t try to pretend they are not
there. Feelings are just that, let
them come and let them go.