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This may seem counter-intuitive, but a proven technique for reducing anxiety is to actually allow yourself to ”get anxious.” People tend to do whatever it takes to avoid anxiety, so utilizing this strategy may take some practice.

Step 1: Visualize and actually think about something that makes you anxious

Step 2: Once the symptoms begin to appear, stay with the symptoms, do not run away from them, or try to minimize them, instead, work at keeping the anxiety going.

Step 3: Don’t give in to your first desire (this may be to flee, distract yourself, avoid the situation, stay close to someone, or seek reassurance). What I mean by desire, is the coping mechanism that you resort to when you want to reduce the anxiety. Rather, just allow yourself to feel the anxiety. Stay with it. Examine it. Notice it. Let it be present and accept it without judgement. Picture anxiety like the ocean tides. It washes over you, bathing you in emotion, then retreats where it once came from.

Step 4: Repeat steps 1-3 over an over again in a variety of situations and environments. Mastery is achieved through repetition.

Research has shown that it is possible to unlearn anxiety patterns. Facing and experiencing the anxiety without resorting to previously utilized coping skills breaks down the mental and physical patterns associated with chronic anxiety. Give yourself the opportunity to discover that although you may be fearful of a given situation, oftentimes, it is our fear that’s worse than any perceived outcome.

Think about the first sentence of this post. By scattering the word into sections using upper and lower case, the word becomes distracting. Clutter works in much the same way by creating distractions that add complexity to daily living. Simplifying your life allows you to focus on those matters that are of most importance to you. Even organized “clutter” is less distracting than disorganized “Cl UTt e R.”

Starting with this post I will be putting up random ideas on how to simplify your life.

Tip of the post: DE-CLUTTER!

Get rid of anything you haven’t used in the past 12 months. Start with one room, drawer or closet and branch out from there. Once you have gathered up unused items, donate or sell them. The main point is to rid yourself of excess clutter. A de-cluttered environment invites a sense of peace and calm to take up residence where clutter once dominated. With less “stuff” filling up your personal space, there is: less to clean, less to take care of, less to sort through, and less to manage. Leaving you with more space, more energy and more time to engage in the things that create lasting enjoyment.

1. Laughing out loud

2. Saying no (and not feeling guilty)
3. Looking at old pictures
4. Making a list of 23 things you love
5. Getting a massage
6. Telling someone how you really feel
7. Being honest with yourself
8. Encouraging a friend
9. Getting organized
10. Taking a long bath
11. Reading a book
12. Expressing your needs
13. Being in love
14. Telling the truth
15. Living your values
16. Getting in touch with an old friend
17. Exercising
18. Spending time alone
19. Listening
20. Sharing your real opinion
21. Going home
22. Taking a trip
23. Feeling inspired