Four Grounding and Breathing Techniques for Anxiety

If you didn't yet know, I am very open about telling people that I struggle with anxiety and depression. My depression is generally mild, but triggered by my anxiety which is moderately high.

The first time I went to a therapist at age 31, I told her I thought I may deal with some anxiety. Honestly I hoped she would just reassure me that I was wrong and "fine". It was important to me and my husband to be vocal about mental health, so I started doing just that.

Then, at 32 I had a therapist confirm my anxiety and depression and for some reason that was a big blow. For some reason the confirmation of everything made me immediately want to shut down and hide for self-preservation. I was suddenly afraid of people's well meaning but insensitive comments. I felt broken, although nothing had changed but someone confirming what I'd been thinking and saying for the last 6 months. But I knew I could not be silent.

My husband struggles with less anxiety but more depression that I do. Demystifing and normalizing conversations around mental health was important to us. I knew that if I stifled my own conversations around my mental health, then I would be feeding antiquated mental health beliefs. Do I still struggle with responses from people? Sure, I read far too much into their words and looks. But still I speak and share.

Being able to identify how anxiety feels in my body (which I will share more on one day), has been hugely helpful in identifying when I feel anxious. For me a racing heart or tightness in my chest is the most prominent bodily response. Once I am aware of how I'm feeling, grounding and breathing teachniques are key to helping me calm my body and my mind, so I want to share my four most used techniques below!

Have you used any of these techniques before or are these new to you?