Last year, I found myself gripped by anxiety, stirred awake at 4am by even the softest sounds. My heart raced as I spiralled into dark thoughts, worrying about dying alone. Despite over 15 years of antidepressants and therapy, nothing had truly altered my situation. It all traced back to minor traumas that resurfaced memories of my turbulent teenage years, prompting me to delve into Bessel van der Kolk’s The Body Keeps The Score, fervently marking thought-provoking passages.
Simultaneously, I encountered another wellness concept, nervous system regulation. “The nervous system has an ‘alarm system’ that constantly monitors… the surrounding environment,” shares George Thompson from the Polyvagal Institute, aimed at enhancing human experiences. This alarm can misinterpret safety as danger, leading to mental health struggles.
In search of a remedy, I attended a breathwork class hosted by Rodo Escalante, who creates a path to equilibrium through specific breathing practices. A study by HHP Foundation indicated that increased carbon dioxide tolerance correlates with lower anxiety levels. As soothing music enveloped me, I concentrated on my breath, learning to calm the anxiety associated with holding it. Escalante noted that engaging in therapy post-breathwork enhances self-awareness and connection.
Post-session, an unfamiliar sense of peace enveloped me. For the first time in ages, my frantic thoughts quieted, leaving me to stroll home in tranquil solitude. I discovered I could sleep soundly rather than curled into a tight ball of stress, thanks to my newfound breath-hold routines. But this serenity was fleeting; my calm returned to chaos as the day progressed.
Nervous system coach Kristen Csuhran’s advice resonated most: “Stop trying to fix yourself.” She explained, “Doing so is akin to rejecting yourself.” Her words pushed me to seek joy instead. Despite initially resisting, I wrote fun activities into my calendar, infusing my mundane routine with levity and connection.
Anxiety overwhelmed the author, igniting a quest for inner peace that meandered through therapy and wellness trends. Exploring nervous system regulation revealed the intricacies of our physiological responses to perceived danger. Through breathwork, they discovered temporary relief, alongside a pivotal realisation from coach Kristen Csuhran: instead of striving to ‘fix’ ourselves, we should focus on joy and simply living.
The path to wellness may not lie in relentless self-fixing, but rather in embracing joy and simplicity. By acknowledging the underlying mechanisms of anxiety and exploring avenues like breathwork, we can experience profound moments of peace. Ultimately, it’s about being present in our lives, stepping away from the urge to control every aspect of our well-being. Freeing ourselves from the constraints of self-improvement can lead to unexpected fulfilment and tranquility.
Original Source: www.womenshealthmag.com
