Stress, anxiety, and depression run rampant in society. Already pervasive among Americans, the COVID-19 pandemic heightened their occurrence.
One way individuals can cope is to practice a combination of self-acupressure and meditation. Try incorporating the following exercise into your daily routine. Follow the directions below or follow along to our guided meditation podcast.
Find a comfortable seated position with your feet flat on the ground. Close your eyes. What are you noticing in your body?
- Are you feeling stressed?
- Are you feeling anxious?
- What does that feel like in your body?
- How do you know that you’re stressed?
- How do you know that you have anxiety?
- Where is that located in your body?
- Connect with that area
Now, making sure you’re sitting up straight with your hands on your knees and eyes still closed, take a deep breath—pulling from your diaphragm and inhaling through your nose for four counts. Inhale, two-three-four. Hold for four-three-two and release.
Keep repeating this breath sequence while you place your hand on the center of your chest—below the throat on your sternum. As you breathe in, press lightly on that acupoint. Then, as you exhale, open your hand outward.
Perform this same motion a few times and reassess. With your hands on your knees again, eyes still closed, connect with your body. What are you noticing?
The area where you felt stress or anxiety—is it still calling to you? Does it feel as stressed, anxious, or tense? Many people feel calmer, more serene, and at peace after this simple exercise.
Supplement Acupressure with Additional Strategies
Acupressure serves as an incredible resource. But there are other steps you can take to combat stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Regularly engage in physical activity
- Limit alcohol use
- Eat a balanced, healthy diet
- Enlist the help of a mental health professional (e.g., talk therapy, medication)
Why Is It So Important to Take Control?
Chronic stress impacts the body and brain in many ways. It can be the precursor to anxiety and depression. Or anxiety and depression may perpetuate the stress cycle. Additional conditions and symptoms related to all three include:
- Trouble sleeping, insomnia, exhaustion
- Headaches, dizziness, or shaking
- High blood pressure
- Brain fog
- Jaw clenching
- Digestive problems
- Sexual dysfunction
- Weakened immune system
- Panic attacks
If you find stress, anxiety, or depression (or all three) disrupting your life, visit with your primary care provider. They can provide next-step options.
Listen to a Guided Meditation
Listen to Colleen Curran, LAc, DAc, walk you through a short guided meditation:
Download a copy to carry with you or listen on your favorite streaming network.
You might be interested in…
- How Does Stress Affect the Immune System?
- 4 Steps To Relieve Stress in Your Daily Life
- Yes, Meditation Can Help Lower Your Blood Pressure
- Stress-Induced Heart Attacks: Fact or Fiction?
