Coping With Anxiety Around The News

Five Finger Breathing

Judson Brewer, a neuroscientist, introduces the 'five finger breathing' technique as a practical tool to manage stress and anxiety. This method involves tracing each finger with the opposite hand while synchronizing breath, which helps anchor awareness in the present moment. Marielle Segarra notes feeling relaxed after just a few fingers, highlighting its effectiveness even in brief practice.

At any level of contraction, we can kind of think of that as a mindfulness bell that says, ding, oh, I'm feeling contracted or I'm closing down.

--- Judson Brewer

This technique serves as a "fire extinguisher" for overwhelming emotions, providing a simple yet powerful way to regain calmness 1.

   

Anchoring Techniques

In the face of overwhelming news, Judson Brewer suggests mindfulness techniques to anchor awareness and alleviate stress. He explains that understanding how our minds work can help combat feelings of restriction and anxiety. Marielle Segarra describes the challenge of staying informed without becoming overwhelmed, a common struggle in today's fast-paced news cycle.

If you can't bury yourself in a hole, don't worry. He has some mindfulness tips to help you cope with the stress and anxiety of the never-ending news cycle.

--- Marielle Segarra

These techniques offer a way to stay present and manage the emotional impact of constant information flow 2.