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How to Stop Feeling Anxious [ In 5 Minutes or Less ]

Featured· Health· Healthy Mom· Self Care

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5 Feb
Contents hide
1) What does anxiety feel like?
2) How do you calm down anxiety?
3) Immediately Stop Feeling Anxious
4) Do Not be Anxious About Anything
5) Ask Yourself, What is the Truth?
6) Calm Down Anxiety by Focusing on the Good
7) Speak Scripture into the Situation
8) 5 Minute Anxiety Control Training Audio
9) Helpful Overcoming Fear PDF
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A spouse dies, a child is taken, is it cancer? Fearful thoughts can paralyze us—but they don't have to. Here's how to stop feeling anxious in 5 minutes or less.

“There was a six car accident on the highway this morning.” Said my husband. I was just waking up when he shared the news with me. Immediately my thoughts went to, “I hope my brother’s okay.” And until I got a text from him saying that he was okay, I couldn’t stop feeling anxious.

This happens to me all the time.

What does anxiety feel like?

The feeling of anxiety is something that everybody experiences. It can cause a slight heaviness in your chest, butterflies or tightness in your stomach. In extremes, you can feel faint, hot, cold, or off balance.

These feelings can show up in a variety of ways when flooded with thoughts like someone’s going to take my child. My husband is going to die. Did I shut the oven off? I think I left the garage door open.

Literally all of these thoughts have crossed my mind this week—when I was driving in the car or at the grocery store. And I’m guessing you’ve had similar thoughts too.

How do you calm down anxiety?

Some fears you can resolve, like whether you shut the oven off or left the garage door open. And resolving these fears, quickly relieves anxiety.

But the ones that will disturb you the most are the “what if” ones.

Like something bad is going to happen. These thoughts can get a little trickier when you’re trying to calm yourself down.

If you let the what if’s take over your mind, it can quickly build up anxiety. And…often that’s when your life can feel overwhelming. When that happens, it’s a warning. You know something has to change so that you can stop feeling anxious—but at this point you feel paralyzed.

I have to tell you. It’s not just you—it’s normal.

There’s actually a measurable scientific threshold for when this happens—Psychologist John Gottman describes it as emotional flooding.

Emotional flooding is “…a sensation of feeling psychologically and physically overwhelmed during conflict, making it virtually impossible to have a productive problem solving discussion.” — John Gottman

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Gottman Institute (@gottmaninstitute) on Sep 23, 2018 at 6:00am PDT

Whether it’s a person, or the demands of the everyday—when life feels overwhelming then it feels impossible to stop feeling anxious.

So what do you do?

I mean, even Gottman says it’s virtually impossible…

The what if’s and the fears—they won’t go away.  But, I can tell you, I know how to stop feeling anxious in those moments when your fears are persistent.

How can you calm you anxiety naturally? Here’s 6 practical things you can do right now to stop feeling anxious in literally 5 minutes or less.

A spouse dies, a child is taken, is it cancer? Fearful thoughts can paralyze us—but they don't have to. Here's how to stop feeling anxious in 5 minutes or less.

Immediately Stop Feeling Anxious

There are times when you can stop feeling anxious easily by getting more information—like I texted my brother. Within 5 minutes he got back to me and let me know he was okay.

Sometimes it’s that lack of information that causes that anxiety and once you clear up the unknown—you instantly feel better.

Do Not be Anxious About Anything

Do not be anxious about anything, instead, turn your heart to God in prayer. If you’re not sure what I mean, think of prayer with God being like you’re having a conversation with a good friend.

You’re simply sharing what’s on your heart, telling Him how you feel and think. Scripture says to do this, in Philippians 4:6. Don’t be anxious but tell God about it.

How can this relieve anxiety?

God does something after you’ve told him about. There’s a promise in verse 7 that says you will experience indescribable peace.

If you feel more comfortable with something to guide you in prayer, try Pocket Prayers: 40 Simple Prayers that Bring Peace and Rest by Max Lucado

How to Stop Feeling Anxious [ In 5 Minutes or Less ] 1How to Stop Feeling Anxious [ In 5 Minutes or Less ] 2

Ask Yourself, What is the Truth?

Emotions are real, but sometimes the truth can be hidden by our emotions. Remember how I shared that I had the thought, “My husband is going to die.”

There are moments when this crosses my mind—like when my husband is supposed to be home for dinner at six o’clock and it’s 6:40. Anxiety starts to creep in because I haven’t heard anything from him.

Then there are moments when this thought pops into my head for no reason. Why? I don’t know. But…there’s something I do know for certain.

I do know that this is something that is possible, not probable in that moment. My husband could die, not my husband is going to do. There’s a big difference.

I learned to lean on this truth after reading a book called Brave Mom by Sherry Surrat.

How to Stop Feeling Anxious [ In 5 Minutes or Less ] 3How to Stop Feeling Anxious [ In 5 Minutes or Less ] 4

There are lots of things we face as moms, and our thoughts can easily become weighed down with the what if’s. Instead, we can ask, what is the truth?

One way to act on this quickly and regain focus is by repeating Sherry’s phrase, “this is possible, but not probable” to yourself. It’s something I do to help me calm down anxiety.

Calm Down Anxiety by Focusing on the Good

Sometimes we just need to refocus on something that is good to distract us from what is causing anxiety in the moment.

For me, this past year I had to have reconstructive surgery. As I was sitting in a surgical room, there happened to be a picture of a beach on the wall next to me. As I was going through a very painful part of the procedure, I looked up at this picture, took some deep breaths and imagined that I was there on that beach.

How to Stop Feeling Anxious [ In 5 Minutes or Less ] 5
The actual picture of the beach I focused on—during my reconstructive surgery.

This is how you can calm down anxiety in a simple but very effective way. It didn’t take me out of the situation—it only distracted my focus so I could calm myself down quickly.

Speak Scripture into the Situation

Depending on the circumstances, you can actually speak scripture out loud—either by reading the Bible—or you can get a pocket scripture card set. There is power in the spoken word of God and by doing so you verbally proclaim that God’s Word is Truth and that the lies of the enemy have no authority over you or your situation.

Blessed Are Those Who Serve - 20 Pass-Along Scripture Cards

It is a part of the process of what Paul refers to as taking your thoughts captive.

“We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5 NASB)

Sometimes, like the time I was sitting in the surgical room, I am not able to speak scripture out loud. In those cases, I speak it in my thoughts. By doing this, you replace those negative thoughts with the Truth of His Word.

It calms down anxiety and gives you freedom not in your own understanding but by trusting in the Lord and His Word. You’re actively proclaiming His Word with your mouth and heart.

5 Minute Anxiety Control Training Audio

I’ve learned that a simple way to stop feeling anxious when I feel overwhelmed by life is to take a break. Even this past year I’ve been talking about the Best Resolution for the New Year is to take a break.

Now you might be thinking, yeah a break sounds great, but when is that going to happen? I don’t have the time.

Well, can you set aside 5 minutes?

5 Minutes is all it takes to listen to this audio training by Dr. Chris Williams, Emeritus Professor of Psychosocial Psychiatry at the University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK. This audio will you help you learn how to calm down anxiety, relax, and take breaks today. It is also a great reference for the future.

I actually used this exercise today.

Helpful Overcoming Fear PDF

I’ve shared a few ways for how to stop feeling anxious—and all that you can do in 5 minutes or less. But unless you intentionally take control of your thoughts, fear will seem like it’s so big like there’s nothing you can do to calm down anxiety.

Sometimes it’s as simple as just buying a journal to get your thoughts out of your head and down on paper. Other times, it helps to have some guided questions to help you overcome fear.

I’ve taken the time to do this in put it all in a PDF to help you more step by step.

But, like I always say, your thoughts influence how you feel, and your feelings determine what you do. Essentially, if you don’t take control of your thoughts—you will feel stuck—and you will be stuck.

You can’t always change your circumstances—but you can change yourself.

How to Stop Feeling Anxious [ In 5 Minutes or Less ] 6

If you find that you are repeatedly feeling intense anxiety, excessive, persistent worry and fear about everyday situations that reach a peak in minutes, Mayo Clinic describes this is as not being normal. And this is when it is a good idea to talk with your health care professional. 

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14 Comments

About Healthy Living Mom

Sonya Rottman has been a writer for 18 years. After becoming a mom, she decided to focus primarily on her family. But she discovered she wasn't good at being a homemaker. She had to learn how to overcome the overwhelm. And, that's why she's passionate about helping moms be a just right mom—by knowing what, when, and how to do all.the.things. She lives in Michigan with her husband Joel, and son Sebastian.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed…it can be difficult to find relief.

You feel like… “If I could just get a break from things, like a day at the spa, then things would be better.” Other times you just feel so defeated you just want to give up. It really becomes a battle for your mind and sanity. But what if there was an easy way to find breakthrough? Well…there is…and it can come in as little as 15 minutes. The 15 Minute Breakthrough gets rid of that overwhelm you feel by giving you clarity and relief. Get Your FREE copy by clicking the link.

15 MINUTE BREAKTHROUGH PDF
« 4 Ways to Find Relief as an Overwhelmed Mom
1 [Easy] Way for How to Be a Better Wife »

Comments

  1. Cate says

    February 5, 2020 at 11:27 am

    I love these tips on dealing with anxiety. Attacks can be so frustrating when I don’t even know what my anxiety is about!

    Reply
    • Healthy Living Mom says

      February 5, 2020 at 11:35 am

      Thanks Cate! I’m so glad that you found this helpful—so that you can take action and figure out what is causing anxiety for you.

      Reply
  2. LaDonna | faithfamilyandmiracles.com says

    February 5, 2020 at 11:30 am

    This is a wonderful post and I know that it will help anxious mothers learn how to better control their anxiety!
    I love how incorporated scripture to combat anxiety. Scriptures and prayers are our best weapons.
    Thank you for posting this!
    LaDonna | Faith Family and Miracles

    Reply
    • Healthy Living Mom says

      February 5, 2020 at 11:37 am

      Thank you, LaDonna! I’m so grateful for scripture and prayers. I don’t know where I’d be without them!

      Reply
  3. Traci says

    February 5, 2020 at 11:38 am

    This is a great list of practical things we can do to relieve anxiety. It’s important to use them often enough that they’ve formed a habit. Then when the big reasons for anxiety come (and they will) you’ve practiced these essential aids. Often all I have the time to say is “Jesus.” That does it too!

    Reply
    • Healthy Living Mom says

      February 5, 2020 at 11:40 am

      Thanks, Traci! Yes, it’s so important to build that habit so that when anxiety comes again—you know what to do. That includes just saying “Jesus”. I’ve been there too!

      Reply
  4. Deb Wolf says

    February 6, 2020 at 12:32 pm

    Great tips! I so wish I had known and applied these years ago when anxiety was a constant. I especially like asking if it’s true. What an important thing to remember! Thanks!

    Reply
    • Healthy Living Mom says

      February 6, 2020 at 3:06 pm

      Thanks Deb!

      Reply
  5. Jaime Hampton says

    February 6, 2020 at 9:58 pm

    Great tips. My favorite thing about this post is that it totally removes the feeling of isolation. I think that’s a tool Satan uses to keep us in the dark, maybe afraid to even acknowledge our struggles to God – much less anyone else! Thanks for the great tips and for such a great, transparent post!

    Reply
    • Healthy Living Mom says

      February 6, 2020 at 10:24 pm

      Thank you, Jaime! I so agree with you. Satan does try to isolate us from others. I know I’ve felt that pull many times. I’m so glad you we’re encouraged by what I shared.

      Reply
  6. Jennifer says

    February 7, 2020 at 11:33 pm

    I love the term emotional flooding. It’s such a perfect description of what happens. I also love the reminder to flood your mind with the truth of God’s word. Recently, I wrote out 5 phrases on a notecard that I use when I need to be reminded of who God is and who I am in Christ. Repeating them time and time again is helping to rewire my neuropathways and helping me not go to the anxious thoughts as quickly. Thanks for sharing this post! Blessings, Jennifer

    Reply
    • Healthy Living Mom says

      February 8, 2020 at 9:10 am

      That word picture of emotional flooding is SO powerful, isn’t it? It totally has felt that way to me. I love how you’ve written down phrases to remind you of the Truth so that you can attack those lies when they come. Thank you so much for sharing that, Jennifer! Blessings to you as well!

      Reply
  7. Debbie says

    February 8, 2020 at 8:43 pm

    Great post! What a relief I’m not the only one who thinks anxious thoughts —like when my husband or grown child have just left home in their car and then a few minutes later the sound of sirens try to spark fear. Speaking scripture out loud or in my thoughts has always been my go-to, coupled with prayer when anxiety wants to strike. Thanks for posting!

    Reply
    • Healthy Living Mom says

      February 8, 2020 at 10:00 pm

      Thanks Debbie! I’m so excited to hear that you speak scripture too as your go-to also. It helps a lot, doesn’t it?

      Reply

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Hi there! I'm Sonya.

My passion is to help you find breakthrough from the everyday overwhelm —so that you can create a biblically healthy lifestyle. Because there's no such thing as the perfect mom, but I can help you get it just RIGHT. Find out more about what we do HERE.

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