The Daily Practice That Eases My Anxiety
Anxiety is a beast that can take over our lives if we let it. I know this first hand, which is why I’m so passionate about having – and sticking to – my daily practice.
Stay sane in an increasingly chaotic world.
Morning
My anxiety-busting practice starts every morning with a cup of hot tea or coffee and 10 minutes of meditation. I use this time to close my eyes and focus on my breath, gradually letting go of any anxious thoughts or worries that have been weighing me down. This simple activity has become essential for calming my mind and preparing me for the day ahead. To make my coffee brewing experience even more soothing I like to use my pourover from By Japan. Designed and crafted locally using centuries-old techniques, By Japan's coffee pot is made from hand-blown glass and finished with a heat-protective leather handle. The rhythmic dripping of the coffee as it brews is incredibly soothing.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, when stress levels are at their peak, I head outside for a short walk or run. Exercise releases endorphins, which can help reduce anxiety and improve mood. I also love being surrounded by nature and the feeling of fresh air on my face – it’s incredibly soothing. But even if it’s just around my neighborhood, it doesn’t mean I can’t be stylish on my walks. My favorite pair of boots that have taken me all over on my favorite walks are danders are the Laax Walk Baby Cashmere-Trimmed Hiking Boots from Loro Piana. The boots take cues from classic hiking styles, but they're smart enough to round off casual outfits, too. Set on rubber soles, they have textured-leather uppers and ribbed padded collars for added comfort. The baby cashmere linings will keep your feet toasty when temperatures cool.
Evening
At night, I practice yoga for a minimum of 30 minutes before bed. Yoga helps me relax my body and clear my mind of clutter so that I can fall asleep more easily. I find that stretching out my muscles is an effective way to combat stress and anxiety as well as keep me flexible. I love my Nike yoga mat for this. Made from lightweight rubber that's treated with an anti-odour finish, it’s also textured for maximum grip.
Night
Finally, before going to sleep, I read something positive or uplifting. This could be an inspirational quote book or one of my favorite books about resilience or mental health awareness. It’s important to finish off the day on a positive note, as this can help reduce anxious thoughts and create a sense of calm before bed. I’m currently reading The Good Enough Parent. This is a book that knows that perfection is not required - and indeed the tiger mom approach is flawed, because a key job of any parent is to induct a child gently into the imperfect nature of everything. Written in a tone that is encouraging, wry, and soaked in years of experience, The Good Enough Parent is an intelligent guide to raising a child who will one day look back on their childhood with just the right mixture of gratitude, humor, and love.
My daily practice is an effective way to ease my anxiety and keep me grounded in the present moment. It has become a part of my life that I look forward to every day – it’s one of the few constants that I can rely on when everything else feels so uncertain. And if you suffer from anxiety, I highly recommend trying out these activities for yourself – you might be surprised by how much relief they bring.
Having a daily practice that focuses on self-care and mindfulness can make all the difference in managing stress and anxiety levels. Whether it’s meditation, exercise, or a positive bedtime read, choose activities that make you feel good and stick to them. You’ll be amazed by the results!
