Anxiety feeds on our concerns for what we don’t know and can’t control. In life, there are many things we don’t know, uncertainties that haunt or beguile us. This sense of worry about the future or things beyond our immediate control is what vexes so many that contend with anxiety. Things like giving a speech, taking an exam, being interviewed, etc. These things all have one thing in common: the outcome is unknown. We can’t know with certainty what will be the result; it’s unpredictable. This is where anxiety comes from. It is a fear of the unknown. So, how can we cope with these fears in order to avoid the paralysis and distress which so often accompanies anxiety?
Quieting the Mind
For many, the answer is found in meditation. Meditation is an ancient technique used by people from all classes of society to reduce stress and re-center oneself. It is the act of temporary inaction. In meditation, one finds a quiet place to be still and clear the mind from stimulation. The idea is to cut out all forms of mental pollution and be alone with yourself and your thoughts. Sometimes, soothing sounds are helpful, such as nature sounds or quiet music. Some people benefit from having a calm guiding voice to help direct their thought processes down to a tranquil state.
When the clamor of our everyday routines is shut out for a moment of time and we are afforded the opportunity to simply sit in silence, we are able to refocus emotional energy on our priorities. Day to day life can get so hectic that often we invest ourselves in too much without taking into account how it will affect our emotional wellbeing, our health, and our ultimate life goals. Meditation helps one to take inventory and organize everything on our plate in order to shed those things which are not essential to our objectives. All of that extra baggage only serves to hinder us from considering all possible outcomes resulting from an unknown on the horizon. If there is something you must do which is critical to an objective you have set for yourself and you can’t know the outcome, the next best thing is to anticipate possible outcomes and prepare emotionally and physically for them. The only way to do this is by taking the time to contemplate them and prepare an action plan in your head for each.
Meditation is very effective in helping people come to terms with their emotional and mental states of being as it relates to the stressors in their lives. It is perfectly safe and accessible to anyone; unlike the expensive and potentially unhealthy pharmaceuticals which doctors prescribe.
If you’re struggling with a substance abuse problem that’s causing you anxiety and stress, there is help available. LEAD Recovery operates a 24/7 help line at (800) 380-0012. Call us today.
