Anxiety's Antidote

Thanksgiving is over and now I’m facing Christmas. This year it feels overwhelming. What can I do to dampen down the anxiety?

 Everything begins in the brain. Anxiety as well as its antidote. Anxiety is a type of fear. Gratitude is the antidote. Fear and thankfulness cannot simultaneously coexist in the brain. Studies have shown that there is a link between one’s behaviors and how the brain “feels.” Here are three examples.

 1.    Curve your lips into a smile. This alters the brain’s neurochemistry. If you can think of something about which to laugh, even better.

 2.    Say aloud, (Your name) ______, you are happy today because _______________.

 3.    Use the survivor stance. Stand with your feet flat on the floor about a foot apart. Hands on hips, pull your shoulders back, and hold your head up high. Hold this pose while you take 2-3 brain breaths. (Inhale through your hose for a count of 4, hold your breath for a count of 12, breath out through pursed lips to a count of 8.)