Ask Sabrina: Cleansing negativity to reduce anxiety
I try to be in the present and battle my ego each day. I find my biggest problem is my anxiety which causes me to worry tremendously. I could be stuck on a thought or problem for hours, even lose sleep over it, and the issue could be so small or out of my hands that it seems crazy to worry about. Is there anything you could recommend I try over the next few weeks? I really would like to cleanse my body of all the negativity that sits within.
- Julia
Hi Julia,
First of all, I want to acknowledge you for deciding to take action. Anxiety is something I’ve dealt with and I understand how much control it can exert over your life. First things first, remember this: you have the power to select your thoughts.
Did you know that humans are actually wired to listen to their egos? We have survival instincts that force us to make calculated decisions. What this means is our minds will naturally weigh the pros and cons of every scenario to stay clear of danger. So, you’re not alone! Don’t be hard on yourself if you’re having a hard time with this. We all do.
Having said that, sometimes negativity can get the best of us. Here’s what works for me when my mind starts flooding:
Ground yourself
Breathe. If your body can’t calm down, neither can your mind. Deep breathing increases the supply of oxygen to your brain and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes a state of calmness. Mindful breathing helps you feel connected to your body and moves your awareness away from the worries in your head.
Give this breathing technique a try: inhale through your nose for a count of four and exhale through your mouth for a count of six. You should feel your body start to relax almost immediately. Repeat as long as you need to. If you feel up to it, close your eyes and turn your deep breathing into a meditation. If you’re having trouble, try taking a Hatha yoga class where the focus is on movement and controlled breathing.
Explore
Anxiety feels a lot like fear - some might say the two are cut from the same cloth - and I’m sure you’ve heard the best way to conquer a fear is to face it. That’s exactly what you need to do.
Try physically writing things out. Ask yourself “what is troubling me?” and take a moment to really understand why. Break down your concern: What am I afraid of? What is the worst that can happen? What is the best case scenario? How much does it really matter? Will you care about this in a week? How about a month? Define what is in your control and what is out of your control. Always focus on what’s IN your control. As for what isn’t, remember the universe has a plan.
Raise your vibration
What do I mean by this? Everything in this world is made up of energy. Consider a low vibration to be low energy that feels stuffy and closed off (driven by fear) and a high vibration to be high energy that feels light and inviting (driven by love).
Having a positive high vibrational space is important for your well-being because our environment is a reflection of our inner state. To raise the vibration of your space, burn some white sage or palo santo. They both have a beautiful cleansing effect. You can raise your own vibration too. It’s easy to do. Here are a couple examples:
Smile. Smiling sends endorphins to your brain and tells your body that you’re happy.
Gratitude. Say out loud one thing you’re grateful for in that moment.
Detox. Whether that means staying away from Instagram or potato chips, sometimes we need a break. (Stay tuned for an upcoming blog post on how to raise your vibration)
Be open to change and try these three techniques over the next few weeks. Observe without expectation to see what changes. You are powerful. Never underestimate yourself!
I hope this is helpful to you on your journey.
Love & Light,
Sabrina xo
Sabrina Fraser provides general information about spirituality, wellness and related subjects, intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. Sabrina Fraser encourages you to never delay seeking professional care when you are in need. The recommendations found on this website are not intended to act as replacement for proper medical or psychological treatment and should not be construed as medical or mental health advice. Always consult your physician or a health care professional regarding health matters. Nothing provided by Sabrina Fraser supersedes or supplements information or direction given by your health care provider.
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