Is Worry Keeping You from Living Your Life?
Are you finding it difficult to get your mind off your problems? You may be dealing with an anxiety disorder, or perhaps you’re simply navigating a challenging situation that has become overwhelming.
A technique often used in therapy is mindfulness, which can be very helpful. The idea behind mindfulness is that when you’re fixated on your problems, you’re living in your head, often focused on the future. Mindfulness brings you back to the present, helping you experience life as it happens rather than staying lost in your thoughts.
For example, taking a walk and noticing the world around you is a mindful moment. If you’re unable to escape your thoughts, even while walking, you can try listening to music. Focusing on the enjoyment of the music is another form of mindfulness. While these techniques won’t completely remove anxious thoughts, they can teach you that it’s possible to rise above them. Over time, you can train yourself to be more present in the moment.
When a tragedy is extensively reported in the media, I often see clients develop fears that it could happen to them. For instance, after the Surfside apartment collapse, where many people tragically lost their lives, I had a client who became terrified of sleeping in any building, fearing it would collapse.
One of the techniques we used to manage this fear was mindfulness. Instead of allowing their thoughts to spiral before bed, which often led to worry and fear, we focused on being present. Simple acts like brushing their teeth became mindful experiences, allowing them to fully engage with what they were doing as they prepared for sleep. Even listening to music or reading in bed can be mindful, as long as you’re immersed in the experience.
Have you ever tried mindfulness exercises? There are many different approaches to mindfulness, and exploring them can help you manage your worries more effectively.
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With offices in Monsey, NY and in Waterbury CT. Sessions on telehealth as well.
