The ultimate coping skill for anxiety, stress and depression
Many of the people that come to my office share they would like to learn healthy coping skills to help them navigate a variety of stressful (and painful) life experiences. Meditation is a powerful tool in overcoming depression, anxiety, stress, and trauma because it helps in two significant ways. Before I get into those details, let me ask you this…
WHAT BRINGS YOU TO THIS ARTICLE?
WHAT GOALS OR CHANGES WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE AS A RESULT OF READING THIS ARTICLE?
My guess is that you listed a few things that you would like LESS of in your life.
LESS stress
LESS anxiety
LESS sadness
LESS pain
LESS negativity
LESS conflict
If you found that most of your list includes LESS items, CONGRATULATIONS, you are profoundly human. Our brains are hardwired to notice these painful bits first and to focus more attention on those experiences. There is also a powerful myth at play. One that is reinforced by culture, society, family and religious practices. Know that I was a believer in this myth for many, many years.
“IF I CAN JUST GET RID OF (INSERT PAINFUL LIFE EXPERIENCE HERE) THEN LIFE WILL BE GOOD.”
Then I will feel happiness.
Then I will feel comfortable.
Then I will feel relaxed.
Then I will feel worthy.
The truth is this. Pleasant experiences aren't the absence of painful experiences. Happiness isn’t the absence of sadness. Connection isn’t the absence of conflict. Relaxation isn’t the absence of tension, stress or being busy. Experiences like inner peace, intimacy, confidence and joy are about actions and perspective, which takes practice.
Here is where meditation enters the equation and why I start with meditation practices with virtually every client and student I meet with. It is also why I offer a free meditation download to anyone who wants it.
MEDITATION TEACHES US HOW TO WELCOME ALL OF LIFE AND HELPS IN TWO SIGNIFICANT WAYS.
It teaches us to notice moments of comfort, enjoyment, peace, contentment and security that are present right alongside the painful stuff. It helps us to respond to situations instead of reacting out of fear, anxiety or shame.
Thankfully we live in a time where we are seeing more and more scientific research focused on understanding if and how practices like yoga and meditation help people. We have learned that not only does meditation help to decrease persistent painful experiences, it also helps by increasing pleasant and balanced experiences.
All of these qualities are pulled from studies researching a meditation practice called Integrative Restoration (iRest), which you can read more about here.
Whether you have experienced depression, loss, stress at work or school, anxiety, or trauma, iRest meditation has been shown to improve overall health and wellbeing across all domains of life. It is specifically why I chose to specialize in teaching iRest Yoga Nidra meditation after I was introduced to the practice in 2015.
WANT TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN OVERCOMING STRESS, ANXIETY, OR DEPRESSION?
Download a free Destress with iRest meditation to practice on your own
If you want individual support, let’s look at working together one-on-one. CLICK HERE to read more and book a discovery call.
Wishing you ease,