by Kyla King, B.A.
I would like to say that we are there, but I think the nature of normal is that it is ever-changing (and in my experience not ever one single thing!). I think one thing that everyone can agree on is that worry, and anxiety are not very helpful as we stay at home, many of us in closer quarters than ever with our families. So, poof, don’t worry anymore. Easy as that…
Or not. It is very hard to stop worrying, many clients come to Ohana Behavioral Health in an effort to worry less, or at least to worry more productively. Here is the one of the simplest tools, that I use myself when I am finding myself worrying about something I cannot change. I slow down. Right now, the way that I am practicing slowing down is in my actions. It used to be that I would try to streamline everything I did, to maximize the use of my time and minimize the time tasks took. Well, now I am trying the opposite. How long can I possibly take to:
-put on my shoes?
-do the dishes?
-fix broken things around the house?
-paint a line?
I have learned so much! I won’t spoil the surprise if you end up trying this on your own, but there are so many small and beautiful details in things that I do every day that have added a lot of richness to daily life that has suddenly become very repetitious.
As always, I would love to hear what you have learned. Please reach out at king@ohanabehavioralhealth.com or join me at the Art for Anxiety meeting that will be held every Friday in April from 11 am-12:30 pm. This will not be a therapy group, but it will be a space for making art and reducing anxiety. Just about anything counts as art supplies that can be used, and if you don’t believe me join in with this link:
https://antioch.zoom.us/j/4526518628
Zoom Meeting ID: 452 651 8628
and I will show you how! The group is free, however, if you feel compelled you can donate to this group through this link: https://bit.ly/2wKbqSR .
