Anxiety, Fears and Unrest, Try This (Part 2) ...

While you’re taking those big, deep breaths (see Part 1), let’s add on another strategy to help manage anxiety and the stress of our current ‘new normal’. Mantras!

Those who work with me already know how much I love inspiring quotes and messages we can write on cards to remind ourselves of healthier ways to self talk.  What have you been saying to yourself these days?  When you pay more attention to that inner voice, you’ll realize if you are your biggest critic or your best cheerleader!  

Mantras are words or phrases that we want to remember, take in, and have meaning in our life.  When we say them over and over, they slowly become more comfortable, and powerful, and over time, with enough repetition, become part of the fabric of who we are.

Begin today by paying attention to what you are thinking and the messages that you give yourself.  Write them down if you can.  Do you sound harsh, critical, fearful?  Write out some phrases that you could tell yourself instead that would be more kind, reasonable, helpful. 

Next time you are taking a break to breath and reset your system, include your new mantras and repeat them often!

Try out these mantras that may prove helpful now during this pandemic…

• I’m doing the best I can.

• These are uncertain times, I can have fears, and I can also be OK.

• One day at a time.

• This is temporary; I’m just going to keep riding this wave until we get to the shore.

• Thoughts can just be thoughts - they don’t all need my energy.

• Persistence not perfection!

• I matter as I am!  (Pia Melody).

• Let’s make the most of this beautiful day!  (Mr. Rogers).