These past two years have been hell for me as I've suffered from anxiety, depression, chronic daily migraines, and an eating disorder without much of a break, and I have made it my mission to share my experience. Please check out the missions page to learn more.
Today, is national suicide prevention day which is a very personal matter to me after what I've been through the past year. Help spread awareness that there is help for people; all they have to do is call the number below.
There are times when my rational brain is at war with my emotional brain. I am aware that my rational brain is correct, but I doubt myself. When that happens, I need someone to reassure my ration brain is right to give it more strength to fight.
Normally, I can turn to someone to reassure my rational brain, but there are times when there’s no one around. When that happens, I turn to my positive affirmation cards. These are cards that I created myself to reassure my rational brain when it is struggling. I encourage you to do the same for yourself.
This is an amazing article that has quite a few ideas for how teachers can make the classroom a safe place for anxious students. I encourage you to read it and share.
What it looks like, and why it's often mistaken for something else
The first step in making classrooms a safe place for those who suffer from anxiety is recognizing the signs of an anxious child. This is a great article that can tell teachers and students actions that are commonly done when a student is feeling anxious.
This is a powerful Ted Talk which I encourage everyone to watch, whether you are a perfectionist or not. Perfectionism affects us all because of the way society has developed. There needs to be a change, and that change can start with you; all you need to do is be open to the idea of “good enough” rather than “perfect”.
These five yoga poses are meant to help a person “quiet” their anxiety by calming down their nervous system.
First Pose: Reclining Bound Angle Pose
Step 1: Lie down on your back
Step 2: Bend your knees
Step 3: Open your knees to the side and place the soles of your feet together
Step 4: Stay in this position for several minutes and breathing deeply
[Note: For an even more restorative variation of this pose, place folded blankets or a bolster under your back and head.]
Second Pose: Supported Bridge Pose
Step 1: Lie down on your back with knees bent, feet flat on the floor, and arms at your sides
Step 2: Press your feet and arms firmly on the floor and lift your hips
Step 3: Stay in this position for several minutes and breathe deeply
[Note: You can do this supported or unsupported. If you choose to do this pose unsupported, clasp your hands behind your back. If you choose to do this pose supported, use a yoga block, books, or folded blankets and place them under your lower back, right above your tailbone.]
Third Pose: Waterfall Pose
Step 1: Lay down on your back with a yoga block or folded blankets under your pelvis and arms at your sides
Step 2: Bend your knees
Step 3: Straighten your legs into the air
Step 4: Stay in this position for no more than five minutes and breathe deeply
[Note: This pose is easiest and more relaxing when your legs are resting on a wall. If you do this pose against the wall, be sure to have your backside against the wall.]
Fourth Pose: Bound Angle Pose
Step 1: Sit criss-cross-applesauce with a yoga block or stack of books in front of you
Step 2: Lean forward, allowing your forehead to rest on your yoga block or a stack of books with your hands resting at the sides of the block or books
Step 3: Stay in this position for several minutes and breathe deeply
[Note: If you are struggling to place your forehead on the block in front of you, sit on a folded blanket or two.]
Fifth Pose: Supported Childs Pose
Step 1: Begin on your hands and knees with a bolster or rolled blanket beneath you vertically
Step 2: Push your hips backwards to rest on your heels
Step 3: Rest your head on the bolster or rolled blanket and allow your arms to relax on either side of the bolster or rolled blanket
Step 4: Stay in this position for as long as is comfortable for you and breathe deeply
Try these poses next time you start feeling anxious to see if they help you!
This exercise will allow you to keep your heart open and help you care for and nurture yourself at the same time you’re caring for and nurturing others.
This is the last exercise that I will be posting about compassion. This is a very important lesson that needs to be taught more often; you need to care for yourself too, not just others.
If you have tried any of the self-compassion exercises, please message me about how it may have helped you. I would love to hear from all of my lovely followers!
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