We all worry and get upset from time to time. It’s a normal part of life.
Do you ever get a sudden knot in your stomach for seemingly no reason and your mind starts to focus on all of the negative things that it possibly can?
It feels like an anchor weighing you down.
What happens when that anxiety or anger takes over and you can’t calm down?
Does your mind sabotage you when it starts to feel like you're not in control?
You can be going about your business at work, feeling pretty content with life, and then all of a sudden a negative thought creeps into your head and there it is!
That huge knot.
These thoughts can happen daily and in some cases, it can start to show physically. Our days will be disrupted by these feelings.
Here are some ways in which we can try and soothe the mind when we have these experiences of anxiety.
Breathe
Breathing is the most effective technique for reducing anger and anxiety quickly. When we’re anxious or angry, we tend to take quick, shallow breaths. This instils our 'fight-or-flight response'. That’s why taking long, deep calming breaths disrupts that instinct and helps you calm down.
The beauty of breathing exercises is that you can do them anywhere. Breathing exercises help to calm your nerves, silence your chattering brain and refocus your attention on tasks ahead. When breathing, try and relax your body as it may feel like every muscle is tense.
If you are planning on doing breathing exercises with a candle present (this could be one of our soy candles or even the candle in the wax melt burner), we recommend timing your breathing with how the flame flickers. This can give you more of a rhythm and will take your focus away from whatever is causing you stress and anxiety.
Walking
You don’t need to engage in a strenuous workout to relieve anxiety. A brisk 10-minute walk will release endorphins that can calm your nerves for a few hours. If possible, take your walks in nature. One study showed that walking in the woods lowered stress hormones more than walking in an urban environment. Exercise burns away stress hormones that create anxiety symptoms. It tires your muscles, reducing excess energy and tension while releasing endorphins in your brain which can improve overall mood. Exercise is linked to healthier breathing and is a healthy distraction.
Watching A Flickering Candle
The flicker of a candle with its gentle glow, can help soothe your overall mood and calm your mind. The next time you are having a stressful day, try lighting a candle. Focus on the candle itself, breathe with the flickering light and you will feel your mind drift away and become empty of any racing thoughts. (Always stay a safe distance away from the burning candle).
Reading
Reading lowers your heart rate and relaxes you physically while letting you escape reality for a little while. Reading isn't a cure to anxiety, but it can help you feel better whilst doing something you already love.
Calming Light
The gentle, mesmerising quality of their light makes them a perfect aid for any relaxation routine. Try to darken your space, turning off any main lights and lamps. Just have the light of the candle solely present. The scent of a candle is known to reduce stress and lift your mood. The low light that comes from a candle is captured by your sight and sent straight to your brain for processing. Because of our associations with candlelight, the body begins to relax – helping how we feel emotionally and physically. This makes a candle the perfect companion to lift our moods and comfort those who suffer from anxiety.
We would recommend our Lavender & Chamomile Natural Soy candle or wax melts to relax instantly both mind and body. Or try our Orange and Bergamot Soy candle or wax melts to reduce stress and our Wild Mint Soy Candle or wax melts help to waken up your mind and enhance focus.
The next time your anxious mind wants to take control, try these techniques and see if, over time, they help you deal with anxiety that little bit better..