How to Stay Calm in an Age of Anxiety
We are currently living in the midst of an age of anxiety. Economic uncertainty is high. Change and dislocation are rampant. Anxiety is a natural human response to these conditions.
Calmness can, nevertheless, be achieved through an experience of rootedness. There are four primary roots through which we can experience grounding:
1. Biological
2. Psychological
3. Social
4. Spiritual
1. Biological grounding involves physical self care. Getting a good night’s sleep, eating regular nutritious meals and engaging in outdoor physical activity are all essential to this dimension of self care.
Never underestimate a good night’s sleep. Sleep deprivation markedly amplifies anxiety. Insufficient sleep affects virtually every aspect of day-to-day living, including mood, mental alertness, work performance, and energy level.
In my own life, endurance athletics are a vital component of my physical grounding. Moving and releasing energy through the sport of triathlon relieves stress, and leaves me feeling calm and vibrant.
2. Psychological grounding is predicated on cultivating close relationships with ourselves and with others. Set aside some time each day to tune in to how you are feeling. Some people refer to this practice as mindfulness. Make it a priority to nurture your relationships with others. Excessive isolation breeds anxiety.
3. Social grounding. Compassion can be a potent antidote to anxiety. Through compassion for ourselves, and for others, we can discover the truth of our radical interconnectedness with all beings. Through bonding with and caring for others, we can overcome the sense of aloneness that is at the core of all anxiety.
4. Spiritual grounding occurs through the experience of a connection with a reality larger than ourselves. Some people access this realm of spirit through music or meditation. For others, there can be a transcendent sense of oneness with nature.
