Anxiety
Do you wake up in a sweat with a racing heart, breathing short and shallow? Does your mind quickly become clouded with scary thoughts that consume you?
You may be suffering from morning anxiety.
This is not a fun way to start the day. I have been there. At that time, I looked forward all day to the few hours of relief I would find from anxiety and panic while I slept, only to wake up too soon, overflowing with angst.
I was barely surviving. To live, I had to find ways to cope with morning anxiety.
How I learned to cope with my morning anxiety
1. Breathing Excerises calm morning anxiety
As you wake, make it a routine to begin deep, focused breathing. Train your mind on your breath before your mind fully wakes. As a result, this will help build a foundation of calm to begin your day.
Some breathing techniques to try can be found here. (coming soon)
You can read about my most-used breathing technique here.
2. Start With Gratitude to find peace from morning anxiety
Think of things you are grateful for. Don’t just name them. Instead, take the time to think about how thankful you are for each and why you are. Consequently, your mind will focus on positive thoughts and not leave room for anything else that tries to consume you.
In essence, let your gratitude fill you with peace.
3. Begin your morning With Prayer and dress in the armour of God.
As you think of the things you are grateful for, thank God for these blessings. It is easy to get stuck with negative thoughts spiraling in our minds. Ground yourself with positive thoughts. Focus your mind on current and past blessings. As a result, this will help future blessings not feel out of reach.
Pray for others and then pray for yourself. Ask for what you need to face the day. Pray for peace, strength, and hope. Offer up your suffering.
4. Bedtime Routines prepare you for a more peaceful morning
Prepare for the morning before you go to bed. Be mindful of what you eat and how late you eat. Limit or avoid sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and heavy snacks or meals before bed. Avoid anything stimulating.
Read more about creating a bedtime routine here. (coming soon)
Believe in a good morning
Attitude goes a long way. When you think hopelessly, you feel hopeless. Changing the narrative begins with believing it is possible. You don’t have to tell yourself tomorrow will be perfect. Instead, start with, “I am focusing on self-care and I will have a better morning soon”. That better morning will come sooner than you think. Continue to care for yourself, and before long your morning anxiety will be a thing of the past.
