are you in need of some tools to reduce your stress or anxiety, particularly around election day?

here are a few that are accessible to you anytime, anywhere:

1. reconnect to your breath. if you’re reading this, that means you’re alive, which means you have access to your breath. whenever you feel yourself losing sight of the present moment, simply do this: pause. take a deep inhale, counting to yourself from 1-6. at 6, pause and count to 4, holding your breath. then exhale, counting down from 6-1. do this once or several times. you’ll be amazed at how something so simple and accessible will make such a difference to release tension.

2. take a break. it’s common that we conflate busy-ness with our own value and self-worth. we also often use productivity as a numbing device to avoid our inner work. next time you feel zapped, give yourself grace and permission to step away. and when you do, be as present as possible in your break of choice, releasing any guilt or distraction while you’re doing that activity.

3. ground yourself (not in the punishment sense!). by that i mean to connect with the earth: put your feet in the sand, grass, dirt, rocks, water-- whatever is available to you. remember that you’re rooted, held, and supported. for more on grounding, here’s a 4-minute video where deepak chopra and i discuss it’s power and relevance.

4. pattern interrupt. when your mind is spiraling or racing, become aware of your thoughts. address each one and ask yourself, ‘is there something i can do about this?’. if the answer is ‘no’, then why worry about it? if the answer is ‘yes’, then do that thing or make a plan for when you will. then you can release that thought, no longer allowing your mind to hold you hostage.

5. move your body. whether it’s a few sun salutations, a walk around the block, a run, or some dancing in your bedroom to your favorite music… our body stores energy and it’s important to move it around so it doesn’t get stagnant.

6. speak up. it’s important that you first connect with the root of your stressors and anxieties. once you name them, you can address them through action or release. whether that’s speaking up to yourself by journaling your thoughts, sharing with a friend or coach (i’m available), and/or voting (today’s the day if you’re in the US), it’s critical that you advocate for yourself and use your voice.