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Mark Engleson's avatar

My touchstone object is my teddy bear, Baby. I've had her since I was a year old. I got her restored last fall.

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Peter Cass's avatar

About tea: Some years ago a friend introduced me to the wide range of Chinese teas. Preparing these from the leaves with either a traditional tea-set turns drinking the tea into a kind of meditation ritual. I can imagine the Japanese tea ceremony does the same. If you have the right equipment, you can make several infusions, enough to last several hours. It’s very relaxing. 🍵

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Allison Moorer's avatar

Agreed. Thank you.

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Alice's avatar

Thanks for the follow-up tips! Aside from the ones you mentioned, I also do Pilates and take dance classes to keep moving. Playing with pets is also soothing, as well as a welcome distraction. I have also found that watching tennis helps me focus on something else, and deflect from my anxiety.

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Allison Moorer's avatar

Yes. Yoga for me. And the pups!

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Gina-Marie Cheeseman's avatar

Tapping, also known as emotional freedom technique, works wonders for me. I use The Tapping Solution app.

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Allison Moorer's avatar

I use tapping too. Should’ve included that one. I actually did some tapping on a plane ride the other day. Thank you!

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Gina-Marie Cheeseman's avatar

Such a great tool!!!!

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Erinn's avatar

“When in doubt, tap it out!” Tapping is truly a beautiful healing modality. Personal witness. Thank you for this. :)

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Rodney 'Butch' Bailey's avatar

This could not have arrived at a more helpful time. It's almost mystical.

You are just the best.

Thank you!

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Phil Hendrix, PhD's avatar

SOUTHERNISMS:

GIVE MORE GRACE/LISTEN MORE CLOSELY/DANCE MORE OFTEN/HUG MORE NECKS/READ MORE BOOKS/MAKE MORE BISCUITS/GROW MORE TOMATOES/BUY MORE LOCAL/SAVE MORE RECIPES/TAKE MORE PICTURES/VISIT MORE FRIENDS/LEARN MORE HISTORY/LOOK MORE DEEPLY/CAN MORE VEGGIES/CAST MORE VOTES/PLAY MORE RECORDS/START MORE CONVERSATIONS/SEE MORE BANDS/TAKE MORE WALKS/CONSIDER MORE PERSPECTIVES/EAT MORE GRITS/HAVE MORE MERCY/BLESS MORE HEARTS/DRIVE MORE BACKROADS/CALL HOME MORE OFTEN/TELL MORE STORIES

Source unknown but sounds about right

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Debbie Taylor's avatar

Your tips are excellent and so effective for lowering anxiety and calming the mind and body. My favorite touchstone is my kitty Bella Blue (okay, she’s 10 so technically a senior cat). Stoking her soft warm belly, listening to her purr and seeing the look of pure bliss in her face as her eyes get all squinty while I scratch her littler chin … puts me in such a Zen state of mind.

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John Lamson's avatar

a good, powerful, put-your-body-into-it scream, howl, or barbaric yawp always help release tension

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Patti Donohoo's avatar

Zanax, yes Allison it is a great day in Tennessee!

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Allison Moorer's avatar

Ha! Tried that one too. Makes me nuts. Glad it works for you!

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Paul Adams's avatar

Good follow up :)

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Sally Levinson's avatar

I've got one of my own his name is Reggie and he's my ♥ his soft purr and his eyes are so beautiful that it's like a miracle just that we found each other

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Angie Aletha's avatar

Thanks for the tips! They are helpful and centered. You have helped me realize a situation I have let stress me is really just anxiety and the ways you describe to get through that is wonderful.. I'm feeling better and focusing on getting prepared and working through it. Thank you, thank you. Love to you, Allison.

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Bruce Guay's avatar

A long, leisurely walk in the woods.

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Dawn's avatar

You. Sheryl Crow. Bonnie Raitt. Heart. Nina Simone. James Brown. Marvin Gaye. Miles Davis. Bad Company. The Zombies. Rondo Veneziano. That’s the music I turn to to shift the energy for me.

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JB's avatar

Thank you. JB

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Mr. Veritas's avatar

After my dear wife of 56 years of marriage died of insidious cancer, my high anxiety and stress level exploded. I'm not ashamed to admit that suicide seemed to be an option. Fortunately, I found purpose in my writings and poetry. And remembering words I attribute to Ayn Rand, I believe that suicide is a "slap in the face of God."

I study World Religions, mostly for the philosophy, and I began a prayer and meditation regimen about a year ago. When anxiety raises its insistent head, I immediately say one of my favorite prayers, and cleanse my mind of thoughts that stress me.

Here is a poem I wrote that seems to help me stay mentally level when I begin to waver:

"Angels seem to be there to help me

every time I need them.

And the most wonderful gift,

about their visits is,

I don't even have to ask for their help.

Even when I believe I am "alone,"

I'm not.

God is Good,

and many of His wonderful creations

do Him proud.

Thank you Angels,

for looking after me."- MRVERITAS.SUBSTACK.COM

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