Navigating Anxiety
Practical strategies for daily management
Why anxiety is on the rise
With the near constant connection to rolling news, social media and growing responsibilities, it’s becoming more and more common to feel worried and stressed. So it’s no surprise that between 2022 - 2023 an average of 37% of women and 30% of men reported high levels of anxiety, compared to 2012 - 2015 * source; The Mental Health Foundation
When these feelings get worse and become persistent in every day life, it can be a sign of anxiety. This affects not only the mind but also the body and our emotions. Understanding the connection between these elements will help you to navigate anxiety and means you are more in charge of your whole self, with an increased capacity to hold and not be disturbed by it.
Anxiety and the body
Anxiety is the body's natural response to stress. It’s a survival mechanism that triggers the fight/ flight/ freeze response. In the face of perceived threats, our bodies release hormones like adrenaline, preparing us to confront or escape danger. While this reaction was essential for our ancestors facing physical threats in the wild, the challenges of the modern world often manifest as more abstract and prolonged stressors. So we can experience this physical state even when we open an email from a difficult colleague. Or when we’re having a stressful conversation with a loved one.
The anxious mind
Under the influence of anxiety, the mind can become a whirlwind of racing thoughts, incessant worries and an overactive imagination. It's like a train that’s lost its brakes, it loops irrational fears and catastrophising. Meanwhile, the body mirrors these thoughts with symptoms like an increased heart rate, shallow breathing, muscle tension, and digestive issues. These elements of stress play out not only in our minds but resonates throughout our entire being.
How emotions are effected by anxiety
Emotionally, anxiety can cast a shadow over the brightest moments, colouring our experiences with fear or apprehension. The joy of the present (the only place where life exists) is often overshadowed by worry of an uncertain future, creating a perpetual cycle of unease and discomfort that can be challenging to break free from.
Client success stories
How does mindfulness coaching help?
A Personalised Approach to Anxiety Relief
This is where mindfulness steps in as your guide and support to ease and stability.
The practice of mindfulness improves self awareness and presence in every moment. By tuning into the present, mindfulness allows us to observe our thoughts without being overwhelmed by them. It gives us the space to choose our response to the thoughts that arise in our mind.
It also encourages a non judgmental acceptance of our emotions and sensations, which is crucial in shifting that sense of dread to one of love and appreciation of ourselves and the life we have. True, it’s not easy when we begin new practices, but over time the mind changes how it thinks. And when we think differently about the experience we’re having, the way our body relates to it changes, and we find ourselves feeling different too.
Through mindfulness, the mind begins to regain its balance. The relentless train of thoughts slows down, giving us the opportunity to choose a more constructive and positive perspective. The body, too, responds to the calming influence of mindfulness, with relaxed muscles, regulated breathing, and a more harmonious internal rhythm.
As we bring mindfulness into our daily lives, anxiety is no longer in charge. It’s not influencing our experiences with dread or concern; instead, we can appreciate the beauty of the present moment, by using gratitude and an increased resilience.
Over time, the cumulative effect of applied mindfulness practices has a profound reduction in anxiety levels, giving you a more serene and fulfilling life.
The benefits of using mindfulness with anxiety
If you find yourself caught in the grip of anxiety, know that there is a way out and you’re not alone.
Through the unique blend of mindfulness and coaching, you can feel calmer and live a more contented life.
Imagine a life where anxiety no longer dictates your thoughts and actions. Where you are in control, navigating challenges with grace and resilience.
Take the first step towards this empowering journey by booking a call with me. Together, we'll explore the tailored mindfulness techniques that will help you to have a more peaceful future.
By embracing the possibility of change, mindfulness coaching can be your guide and support to a life free from anxiety.
Kate Greenslade, PCC
What does working together look like?
After your taster session, and if you decide to work together, we meet for 3 x 1 hour zoom calls per month for 6 months.
During this time we co-create bespoke toolkit for your specific goals and intentions using mindfulness.
The time we spend together is educational, motivating, inspiring, supportive and I hold you accountable to your commitments, with empathy of course. This work is meaningful and transformative, if you’re willing to feel a little discomfort on the journey. No personal growth happens without it.
I also send you additional resources like personally recorded meditations that support your specific intentions, book recommendations, podcast episodes, TED talks, papers or studies (if you’re interested in the science behind this work), articles and films.
This all builds a rich picture of how to apply mindfulness into your life for the changes you want to make - and keep!
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If you’ve got this far and are reading this, then you are ready for the next chapter of your life.
To take charge, feel better and live the way you truly want to.
And I’m here to guide and support you, every step of the way!