It’s an anxious world we live in. According to Anxiety Canada, 1 in 4 Canadians suffer from anxiety.
It’s normal to feel anxious sometimes. Anxiety can plague even the most positive of people. But for some, especially people who struggle with positive mental health or depression, it can become a death spiral.
What triggers anxiety can differ from person to person. Maybe it’s a job change, or the feeling of being stuck in your job. It could be worrying about money, or feeling unhappy in a relationship. I think most people are experiencing some degree of anxiety seeing what’s happening in the world today.
Recently, someone shared with me this simple five-step technique to clear your mind and be in the moment when you are feeling anxious. Focus on
- 5 things you can see
- 4 things you can hear
- 3 colours
- 2 things you can smell
- 1 positive feeling
Finish by taking three deep breaths.
I’ve always found this graphic of two circles helpful as well. The first circle is everything happening in the world that you have no control over. The second circle is things you have direct control over. When your brain is feeling overwhelmed, remember the two circles and focus on the things in your life you can control.
This week’s #HappyAct is to try this simple technique the next time you’re feeling anxious.
Ed. note: Studies show that anxiety plagues women more than men. If your anxiety is getting in the way of living, talk to your doctor.
Happy Act 
I use a three ring graphic – inner ring is what I can do. Middle ring include the things I can affect (with volunteering, voting, speaking up, eating healthy, exercising, etc), and the outer ring includes all of the things I can have zero effect upon. It gives me the feeling that there are some things I can control, some things I can help evolve, and many many things I can ignore.