MWOD 001 – Gut Check

Mental Workout of the Day 001

Ever have those days where you can’t seem to get rid of those butterflies in your stomach? Maybe there isn’t even anything out of the ordinary going on but you can’t shake that feeling; almost like you’re forgetting something. Anxiety can sneak up on any of us at any time. Luckily, there are some things you can do to help:

• Breathe – 10 reps, 4 count in/out
  1. Slowly count 1-2-3-4 as you inhale through your nose.
  2. Exhale for the same four-second count.
  3. As you inhale and exhale, be mindful of the feelings of fullness and emptiness in your lungs.
• Go for a Walk – 1/2 mile
• Phone a Friend – 5 minutes 

Why it Works

Breathing. Taking the time to breathe can help slow down your heart rate and distract your mind from whatever is leading to your anxiety. This can be done several times throughout the day to help you focus and relax. 

Walking. Psychologists studying how exercise relieves anxiety and depression suggest that a 10-minute walk may be just as good as a 45-minute workout.

Phoning a Friend. Talking to a friend or loved one is a proven way to occupy your mind and relieve symptoms of anxiety. If you’d prefer, you don’t even have to talk about what you’re feeling, just check in and chat about the day.