How to pay attention to anxiety

woman in black shirt and gray pants sitting on brown wooden bench

The number of people looking for help with anxiety and depression skyrocketed in 2020. Our mental health is important, and we need to make it a priority.

The mental effects of the pandemic are present in children, adults, and the elderly. Statistics report higher numbers in minorities and people with lower income. Isolation and loneliness are taking a deep toll on our mental resilience.

The home and work environments are also reflecting our mental health vulnerabilities. We are all more vulnerable in the place where we are spending the most time of our day the most.

Whether you are a remote worker, essential worker, or stay-at-home parent, notice.

Paying attention to signs of anxiety and stress is not optional.

Lowering anxiety and knowing how to center yourself is key for your wellbeing. During your day, your mind has infinite times to focus on the negativity of the world. It is easy to get your stress to rise when you only hear conversations about the pandemic.

Feeling trapped

At work and home, everybody is feeling the long-term of our social restrictions. These limitations can make us feel trapped and affect our day’s productivity.

It can affect your concentration, your plans, emotions, and judgments. Anxiety can even make you prone to making mistakes.

In our stressful days, look to establish a midday break. At home, in the car, or at work, take a 3-minute mindful seat.

A mindful exercise

Set a time for the three minutes and turn off distractions. Do not try to change your experience. Do not expect to control your thoughts. This break is about connecting with your body.

Close your eyes and notice your body. Place your attention on the sensation that stands out the most. Then move the next sensation you feel or distractions. Keep moving through sensations are they arise.

Let your focus move through your body into itchy, tight, warm, cool, noisy, wet, dry, or anything else. Follow your attention wherever it takes you. Stop and open your eyes when the timer rings.

That is it.

Mindfulness does not need to hard or complicated. It can fit into your workday if you remember to do it.

Rebalancing your mind will affect decision-making, productivity, and resilience in your afternoon. Ensuring you take three minutes can reset your day and help reduce anxiety and stress.

Pay attention to what is happening.

Also, look around you. Pay attention to your work colleagues, managers, and employees. Observe your friends, relatives, partner, or children. You are more vulnerable and everyone around you. Let’s be proactive and focus on mental health.

One quote

“You don’t have to be positive all the time. It’s perfectly okay to feel sad, angry, annoyed, frustrated, scared and anxious. Having feelings doesn’t make you a negative person. It makes you human.”

Lori Deschene

One question

Are you paying attention to your mental health?

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