A FEW THINGS YOU CAN TRY
You do not need to force yourself to become completely calm. Begin by offering your system small pieces of present-day information and reducing what it has to manage at once.
Choose 1-3 practices that feel accessible or resonate:
Orient to the present: Slowly look around your environment. Let your eyes pause on three objects that feel neutral, familiar or pleasant. Notice their colors, shapes and distance from you.
Instead of repeatedly telling yourself that you are safe, allow your senses to gather information about where you are right now.
Use steady physical pressure: Press your feet gently into the floor, your hands into the arms of a chair or your back against a supportive surface. Notice the support meeting your body.
You might also place one hand over your chest or upper arms if that kind of contact feels comforting.
Give the activation somewhere to go: Walk, stretch, sway, shake out your hands or press your palms against a wall.
Activation often carries energy. Intentional movement may feel more supportive than demanding that your body become still.
Experiment with your exhale: Without forcing a deep breath, allow your exhale to become slightly slower or longer. You might breathe out as though you are gently cooling a warm drink.
If focusing on your breathing increases your anxiety, skip this practice and return to something external, such as noticing colors, sounds or physical support.
If you’re interested to explore more how to shift from an activated and on alert state to a more calm and connected state, let’s chat.