How to reduce stress and anxiety by staying present

It’s no secret that life can get extraordinarily stressful and overwhelming at times. From work deadlines to relationship issues, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos and lose sight of the present moment. However, it’s important to remember that staying present can actually help reduce stress and anxiety. So, let’s talk about few tips and ideas for staying present and finding inner calm.

Where is your mind

First, mindfulness is key. Mindfulness is simply the act of being present and aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. It’s about living in the moment rather than worrying about the past or future.

“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

Unwinding your brain to destress

So, how can we be more attentive and mindful in our daily lives? One effective way is to practice meditation. Meditation is a powerful tool for calming the mind and reducing stress. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy or complicated – even just five minutes of deep breathing and focusing on the present moment can make a big difference.

“Meditation is not a way of making your mind quiet. It’s a way of entering into the quiet that’s already there – buried under the 50,000 thoughts the average person thinks every day.” – Oprah Winfrey

Getting out of your head

Another way to stay present is to engage your senses. This is especially helpful when you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed. Take three deep breaths and then focus on what you can see, hear, smell, taste, and feel in that moment. This can help bring you back to the present and out of your head.

“Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have. Make the now the primary focus of your life.” – Eckhart Tolle

Learning to take breaks

It’s also important to take breaks throughout the day and do things that bring you joy. Whether it’s going for a walk in nature, listening to your favorite music, or calling a friend to catch up, taking a break from the stressors of life can help you feel more present and centered.

“I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and I believe in miracles.” – Audrey Hepburn

Wanting to feel calm is not selfish

Another way to reduce stress and anxiety is to prioritize self-care. This means taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health. It’s important to get enough sleep, eat nutritious foods, and exercise regularly. Additionally, make time for activities that make you happy and fulfilled, whether that’s reading, painting, or volunteering in your community.

“Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” – Eleanor Brown

Finally, remember to be kind to yourself. It’s okay to not have everything figured out and to make mistakes. Don’t beat yourself up over things that are out of your control.

“I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.” – Maya Angelou

Staying present can be a powerful tool for reducing stress and anxiety in your daily life. By practicing mindfulness, engaging your senses, taking breaks, prioritizing self-care, and being kind to yourself, you can decompress a little, cultivate inner peace, and enjoy more moments of happiness.

“The present moment is a powerful goddess. She gives you all her treasures.” – Rumi

Check in with yourself

If you like to journal or have a talk with yourself (I do that ALL the time!) – these are good question to prompt yourself to stay present with:

• How do I feel in this moment?
• How would I like to feel right now?
• What can I do right now to shift toward how I want to feel, even just a little bit?
• Are there concerns running my mind that I could make note of to process later today when I feel less stressed?

Take a deep breath, focus on the present moment, and remember that you are the captain of your mindset ship and how you take care of yourself and live each moment is more of an empowered choice than you usually think it is.

Wishing you many more mindful moments of joy instead of moments wasted in stress and anxiety. – Marlene

If you’re looking for a more personalized plan for coping with stress and anxiety, and improving your mindset to help you cope with what you’re struggling with please schedule a free consult call with me and let’s talk about how I can support you and help you to THRIVE, instead of merely survive. 

For more ideas, help yourself to a free download with tips for clearing your energy and shifting your mood here.