A Note From Deanne
Have you ever felt moments of sheer bliss? The pure joy of life, that calmness deep in your core because you know that all is well? I've had many of those moments this week. The reason why? I used my gratitude "muscle" a lot this week.
Sure, most of us have heard time and time again that it's a good idea to practice feeling grateful daily. However, you may not know why it's so important for anxiety sufferers in particular. Check out this week's tip on why gratitude works and take this opportunity to start your own daily gratitude log.
Dedicated to your success,
Anxiety Tip
Why Gratitude Works for Anxiety Sufferers
As anxiety sufferers, we tend to live in our heads and often miss the present moment because we are focusing on the future. Focusing on a negative future is how obsessive thoughts and anxiety take root. We are afraid that something bad will happen. You know the thoughts I'm talking about... anxious thoughts like: "What if I have a panic attack while I'm driving?" and "If I don't get the job, then no one will respect me" and a million other self-defeating thoughts.
Gratitude requires experiencing the present moment. Fear is living in the future. That's why gratitude and fear cannot coexist. You can't focus on the present and the future in the same moment. Try it. Think of something you're grateful for, right now, and you'll feel a moment of joy. Fill your moments with gratitude, and your anxious thoughts and fear will fade way.
Remember, gratitude and fear cannot coexist. The next time you're feeling anxious, find something to be grateful for and focus your thoughts on it instead. This simple act will automatically shift your focus away from anxiety because you are focusing on the present moment and all of the good that it contains.
About Deanne
Deanne Repich - Founder and director of the National Institute of Anxiety and Stress, Inc., is an internationally known anxiety educator, teacher, author, and former sufferer who has helped tens of thousands of anxiety sufferers in more than 40 countries to reclaim their lives from anxiety, stress, anxiety disorders, panic attacks, anxiety attacks and social anxiety.
She is the creator of the Conquer Anxiety Success Program, author of more than seventy articles, and publisher of the Anxiety-Free Living printed Newsletter for anxiety sufferers. She is a Member of Mental Health America and the Anxiety Disorders Association of America.
|