“If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present.” — Lao Tzu
Let’s start this weekend off by taking a deep breath in … and out.
Notice that you feel a bit calmer? Good. Because if you’re a little anxious these days (and most of us are!), you’re going to want to start doing this on the regular.
Most of us are living in a constant state of overwhelm. We’ve got a lot on our plates, and we’re worried about how to get it all done.
You might be feeling anxious about money, a big work project, your kids or relationship, politics and the state of the world — and spending more time than you’d like worried about how it’s going to pan out.
We all do it, but worrying about the future won’t get you anywhere. Tossing and turning about it will only disrupt your sleep. It’s time to start living in the present, so you can find that peace you so deserve.
There are two big keys to letting go of worry and living in the present:
1. Focus on something pleasant right here in the now and take deep breaths. (It could be a tree, a happy photo, your snoozing pup, a cup of java …).
This quick and easy exercise relieves stress and anxiety. Breathing deeply even sends a signal to your brain that says, “Hey, it’s time to relax.” Amazing, right?!
Put one hand over your stomach and take a big belly breath in for five counts. Hold it for a second, then breathe out for five counts. Repeat a few times and see how relaxed you feel.
Practice this a few times a day and notice your stress melt away.
2. Love yourself enough to know that worrying about the future is futile and not good for you — and make the choice to let those thoughts go.
When worry thoughts come up (and they always do) tell yourself, “Nope. Not going there!” or “And … I’m letting this thought go.” Then shift your focus to something wonderful happening in your life and that you’re grateful for now.
Take it easy on yourself. Practice patience. Hold faith that everything will work out and you will be OK.
Wishing you a wonderful, worry-free day!
XO
Quote du jour:
“Worrying is like praying for something that you don’t want to happen.” — Robert Downy Jr.
READ MORE LIKE THIS:
Because I Gotta Have Faith, Faith, Faith
The Sweetness of Doing Nothing
