Stress, anxiety and worry left unchecked can suck the joy out of your life, as well as contribute to any physical and emotional challenges that you already have.

Everyone deals with stress and/or anxiety at times. But, did you know… how you experience anxiety and worry is unique to you. Neither did I, until that was, I started to look for ways to deal with post cancer stress after treatment finished.

Journaling, or self-reflection, helped me understand my unique blend of thoughts and feelings. Self-reflection  was a vital tool in helping me understand not only my anxiety and stress triggers, but also to help me find ways to alleviate the physical and emotional symptoms of stress and anxiety on my mind, body and spirit.

“Anxiety, the illness of our time, comes primarily from our inability to dwell in the present moment.” Nhat Hanh

I invite you today take some time to answer the following questions to get a better understanding of how you can tame worry and anxiety in your life. You can write in your journal, sit in quiet reflection over your morning coffee. Or use a note taking app on your mobile device at lunch time. It doesn’t matter where you are, or what time of day it is.

The idea is to help you understand how anxiety and stress affect your daily life. They are sneaky and persistent bedfellows that like to sneak up on you! Journaling could help you recognize the symptoms of an on-coming anxiety storm.

Ready? Pens at the ready…let’s go…

1. How do worry and anxiety affect my life?

• Am I getting enough sleep? If not, how can I change my routine/habits to accommodate more sleep?
  
  
• When could I add a relaxation technique into my daily routine? Which technique appeals to me the most?
  
  
• When could I make time for meditation?  Where can I learn more about the benefits of meditation?

“The joy of life is born of concentration. When you are having a cup of tea, the value of that experience depends on your concentration. You have to drink the tea with 100 percent of your concentration.”  Thich Nhat Hanh

• When am I least likely to be mindful? How does that hurt me?
  
  
• How does my view of the world increase the likelihood of feeling worried or anxious?

• What changes can I make to my diet and exercise routine to reduce the level of stress in my body?
  
  
• Do I feel my level of anxiety is too great for me to handle without professional help? Where can I go for help?

“Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts. Whenever your mind becomes scattered, use your breath as the means to take hold of your mind again.”  Nhat Hanh

Until next time, here’s to your wellbeing.

Tracey x

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