Dr. Anita Phillips, a trauma therapist, says you can deal with anxiety in just seconds. She says the key is to slow down and check how you're feeling, especially when you wake up worried about things like big meetings or parent-teacher conferences.
- The first exercise is called the "voo" technique. You take a deep breath in, then breathe out while making the sound "voo" for as long as your exhale lasts. The vibration you feel helps work anxiety out of your body. Phillips explains that while you can't scratch uncomfortable internal feelings like an itch, sound can reach them.
- The second exercise is called tension release. You breathe in calmly, then as you breathe out, you tighten up your whole body. Then you breathe in again and relax everything. Making your body tense on purpose and then letting it go helps your mind feel more relaxed too.
Both exercises are so quick you can do them while doing everyday things like waiting for your coffee to brew or standing by the microwave. Phillips also suggests "shaking it out" while brushing your teeth - start by shaking your bottom, then let the shake move up through your whole body.
Source: Today