Practical and Spiritual Tips for Anxiety
Anxiety comes in all sizes. Sometimes it’s something like not getting to work on time, and sometimes it’s the anxiety of being laid off. Mix in a little COVID-19, and you’re not only dealing with personal anxiety, but one shared by your friends, neighbors, and people across the world. In this article, we’re going to provide some practical and spiritual tips for tackling anxiety.
Turn Spiritual Obligation into Relationship
Sometimes we’re too hard on ourselves when it comes to our spiritual walk. Our time with Christ is not meant to be a burden. Connect with God in the way that you most enjoy spending time with Him, whether through art, singing, reading His Word, etc.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback involves becoming more in tune with your body’s physical responses through feedback that measure things such as: brainwaves, heart rate, blood pressure, skin temperature, and even muscle tension. While biofeedback is something that can be done with our therapists, there are also certain apps that can help you too.
Practice Simple or Rote Prayers
Liturgies or one-word prayers can serve as a way to soothe anxiety. No matter what you say or how much you speak, God will listen to your prayers regardless.
Cross-body therapy
Cross-body therapy, also known as crossing the midline, involves doing something with both hands, like crocheting, knitting, crafts, or playing an instrument. Doing cross-body therapy increases neuro plasticity in the brain, which can help people better cope with anxiety and other mental health issues.
Conclusion
While anxiety is definitely building due to COVID-19, that doesn’t mean we should allow it to grow into something all-consuming. Whether the solution be practical or spiritual, we should strive to take a holistic approach to our anxiety and conquer it.
References
5 Biofeedback Apps to Ease Anxiety. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://purpleclover.littlethings.com/health/3334-5-biofeedback-phone-apps-ease-anxiety/
Caliri, H. (2020, March 30). Be Anxious for Nothing: 10 Practices to Give Anxiety over to God. Retrieved from https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/women/be-anxious-for-nothing-10-practices-to-give-anxiety-over-to-god.html?utm_source=Daily Update&utm_campaign=Crosswalk Daily Update&utm_medium=email&utm_content=3173500&bcid=4d631f2f9c33e7158e7f86081fa43384&recip=523204169
Provenzano, B. (2020, March 21). How to manage anxiety during a pandemic. Retrieved from https://www.vox.com/identities/2020/3/21/21188362/manage-anxiety-pandemic
Vercillo, K. (2019, June 16). Crafting Provides Cross-Body Therapy Which Helps Mental Health. Retrieved from https://blogs.psychcentral.com/crafting/2019/06/crafting-provides-cross-body-therapy-which-helps-mental-health/