Self-Care Quest Day 25: The Present
With the past, I have nothing to do; nor with the future. I live now. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
One of the many ways anxiety can mess with your head is to rob you of your sense of the present.
Painful memories, regrets, or missed opportunities are some examples of a time gone by that can overshadow your present.
You know you can't change history so instead of living in the shadow of the past, clear your mind by asking yourself what you have learned from a past experience that you find yourself dwelling on. Bring the lessons with you into the now, and leave the rest in the past where it belongs.
Future Fears
Anticipatory anxiety is the horrible feeling of dread you get about things that might go wrong in your future. Potential health worries, work issues, relationship or social problems can terrorise your mind and have you living days, weeks, or even years ahead of today in negative prediction land.
While it's natural to think about our past and potential future, dwelling on them doesn't help.
The only way to change anything is to be fully present in this moment right here, right now and use it wisely.
Present Power
If your mind is dragging you on a time trip, stop and breathe for a couple of minutes. Ground yourself by feeling your feet in contact with the floor and breathe slowly and deeply. Feel your breath expand you chest, listen to it and witness it fully.
This will help you fully experience the present and from there you can take supportive actions that will help,you create a healthy future.
Related posts & resources you might enjoy:
Present Moment Awareness: Lessons from Dogs on Being Here Now