UNCERTAINTY (about practically everything) GOT YOU DOWN?
A NATURAL SELF-HELP EXERCISE TO CALM YOUR UNCERTAINTY (about practically everything) ANXIETY:
The following exercise is designed to calm your mind and body when experiencing unwanted anxiety:
1. Say OUT LOUD what your worst uncertainty fear is (for example, “My cash will run out in a month” or “If I go out or get together with friends, I might get COVID and I can’t afford that!)”
2. Assuming your worst fear did come true, on a scale of 1-10 ( 1 is LEAST and 10 is MOST) how anxious would that make you?
3. Apply the deep breathing technique developed by Wellness guru, Dr. Andrew Weil
- a. Inhale and count 1, 2, 3, 4 as you inhale
b. Hold the breath and count 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
c. Exhale and count 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or longer
if you can (a long exhale is most important)
d. Repeat a., b. and c. 4 times
4. Then say your fear OUT LOUD again and rate your level of anxiety NOW on the 1 to 10 Scale (Number 2)
5. Did your anxiety go, for example, from 8 to 4 or from 6 to 2. Any smaller number is good. Practice the breathing technique (Number 3) whenever your anxiety erupts during the day or night. Remember that you are not alone. Uncertainty anxiety (about practically everything) is likely to unhinge anyone! But teaching yourself to “STAY CALM AND CARRY ON!” will make your struggle easier!