Did you know that anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S.? If you suffer from anxiety problems, know you’re not alone. But if you panic and get intrusive thoughts, you may not know how to cope with your daily life. Fortunately, there are therapists out there who can teach you the necessary skills to handle your anxiety and live a more fulfilling life, such as mindfulness. Mindfulness is living in the present moment so you can pay more attention to your feelings, sensations, environment, and thoughts. Here are 7 reasons to try mindfulness practices for anxiety and the mindfulness practices benefits.
1. Emotional Regulation
When you’re in a state of mindfulness, understanding anxiety becomes easier. That’s because you can identify your emotions and have better control of the things you think and say. For those with anxiety problems, this usually means reducing your reactions to certain situations. It can also mean expressing your emotions more, especially if you struggle to communicate your feelings.
Emotional regulation has more benefits other than reducing anxiety symptoms. Regulating your emotions can improve other areas of your life, such as your relationships.
Another common symptom of anxiety disorders is difficulty processing your emotions. Studies show that mindfulness and meditation improve the processing of emotions, though doesn’t contribute directly to positive emotions.
2. Possible Improved Memory
Did you know that anxiety problems and memory are linked? Stressful periods and even mental disturbances can affect your memory. Plus, bad short-term memory can exacerbate your anxiety levels. Did you forget about a deadline at work? Maybe a major appointment? These small inconveniences may seem like the end of the world for those with anxiety problems.
So, why do we forget about these small details in life? One of the reasons why some people suffer from forgetfulness and memory problems is because of something called proactive interference. This is when older memories interfere with your daily life, preventing you from retaining new information. This is especially a struggle for those with PTSD.
Research does show that mindfulness can help with short-term memory, but more research is needed to confirm this.
3. Better Relationships
Those with anxiety issues struggle in relationships but in different ways than others. You may need the support and reassurance from your loved ones that you don’t get from yourself, which can result in co-dependence. Even if you’re not emotionally dependent on your partner, panic attacks and other anxiety symptoms may disrupt your relationship.
There may also be issues and trauma you suffered early in your life that created unconscious behaviors. Your anxiety problems may be an example of unconscious behavior, though some of these behaviors may be unique to your relationships with others. For example, it may be common to get angry at your partner for little things.
Mindfulness works to shift these behaviors. You’ll become conscious of your thoughts, feelings, and actions, enhancing your emotional well-being. This shift will improve different areas of your life, especially in your relationship.
4. Clear Mind
If you have anxiety, you’re likely scatterbrained and unable to focus. Research shows that mindfulness clears your mind, improving your focus. However, the results are only short-term. Still, this can improve your life in different ways. For example, if you struggle to focus at work, you can practice mindful meditation before your shift. Throughout your work day, you may realize you’re not only aware of your work performance but also how you behave around your work colleagues.
Why does mindfulness clear your mind and improve focus? When you become mindful, you’re able to shift your thoughts to the present moment — even if the effects are only brief. This is still enough to improve concentration at work or any task you’re completing. Plus, you can suppress any anxious thoughts that can interfere with regular functions.
5. Reduced Physical Anxiety Symptoms
Anxiety disorders have various physical symptoms. Most experience a rapid heart rate, especially during a panic attack. At worst, one may experience chest pain, heart palpitations, and even high blood pressure.
Since mindfulness combats stress, you may reduce some of these disruptive physical symptoms. This includes rapid heart rate and sleeping problems.
Keep in mind that mindfulness won’t treat or cure severe health problems. You should talk to a medical doctor about specific problems such as heart palpitations and high blood pressure.
6. Enhances Well-Being
Mindfulness does more than help you cope with anxiety problems. You’ll live a more fulfilling life when you’re more mindful. You’ll be more engaged in activities you love and will savor the small pleasures in life.
Everyone deals with anxiety differently. If any adverse events come up in life, you won’t react in a panicking manner. Instead, you’ll handle the event without worrying about any future consequences. If you’re the type who dwells on past memories and traumas, you may find it easier to move on. You may also be less worried about other areas of your life, like work and relationships. Decreasing this anxiety will help you improve your performance at work and you’ll build deeper connections with loved ones.
7. Mindfulness Can Be Part of a Therapy Plan
Are you not sure how to get started with mindfulness? Another benefit of this technique is any therapist or counselor can implement it into your anxiety counseling. A professional can teach you how to meditate and practice it every day. No matter what type of anxiety disorder you have, a professional can better educate you on mindfulness and how it can help your unique problems.
Need Help With Mindfulness Practices for Anxiety?
As you can see, mindfulness benefits anxiety disorders in many ways. But how do you get started with mindfulness practices for anxiety? Your first step is seeking help from a professional. A counselor with experience treating anxiety disorders can get to the root of the issue and teach you the right mindful techniques to soothe your stresses.
If you’re based in Portland, we offer anxiety counseling as well as postpartum support and trauma therapy. Contact us today to get started.
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