Clients I see are experiencing more stress and anxiety than normal.  With the pandemic, the political environment, the state of our economy among other more personal issues, people are suffering and feeling anxious in mind, body and spirit. Here are some ways to focus on healing and staying centered in this new year. 

  1. Focus on your physical well-being.  Quality sleep gives us more resilience for stressful days.  Limit your screen time well before bedtime.  Scrolling through social media at night or going through your email actually hurts your chances of falling asleep because the blue light is known to keep the brain triggered into thinking it is time to stay awake. Make your bedroom a sanctuary where sleep in a comfortable, quiet, dark space can refresh your body and spirit.  Take time to move your body on a daily basis. You have heard this before, but seriously, carve out time to walk or engage in some exercise every day that raises your heart rate, creates endorphins, and calms your spirit. Try yoga or some other mindful body movement. 
  2. Take care of your mental health by talking with someone or reaching out to a therapist. If you find yourself feeling anxious or down, find a counselor who can help you process your emotions and resolve issues from your past that may be affecting how you are reacting to the present.
  3. Care for your emotional and spiritual health by taking time to be still in your body, breathe and meditate.  Starting each day with quiet time is very effective.  Upon awakening, settle into a meditation spot and sit for 20 minutes focusing on the breath and letting thoughts float by like clouds in the sky.  Refrain from letting your meditation time turn into the organizing of your day or even processing emotions, simply be still in your body and breathe. This is one of the most powerful ways to come back to a centered place, feel renewed and shift your mood into a more positive one. I teach breathwork and meditation to relieve stress and help clients find a deeper sense of peace and calm. 

To learn more about counseling, breathwork or meditation with Elizabeth Pankey-Warren, contact me or call me at 561/866-6607.  Visit my website at Elizabethpankey-warrenpsychotherapy.com.