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- How Meditation Alleviated My Anxiety (No, Seriously)
by Sarah Thompson
Updated: Oct. 31, 2018
Originally Published: Sep. 13, 2017
To be completely honest, I deal with mild anxiety. While I don’t typically experience the overwhelming anxiety that consumes entire days—except during a few postpartum months after welcoming my two children—there’s still that persistent, uneasy knot sitting just beneath my sternum. Some days are tougher than others, particularly when life throws challenges my way that I’d rather avoid, or when I haven’t had enough sleep or physical activity.
For the most part, I thought I had my anxiety under control. Then, one seemingly ordinary day, I found myself overwhelmed. I woke up feeling “off.” I snapped at my daughter for not hurrying, despite having ample time. I grumbled at my partner for not taking out the trash, fully aware he was headed to an early meeting. Simple tasks like unloading the dishwasher or styling my daughter’s hair felt insurmountable, as that knot beneath my breastbone threatened to consume me.
I struggled to take a deep breath, my heart raced, and in a moment of desperation, I even attempted breathing into a paper bag while sprawled on the floor, my family looking on. The negative thoughts in my head insisted that I was falling apart, and I believed every word.
It was a terrible feeling.
I had been practicing meditation sporadically using the Headspace app, appreciating the guidance it offered. My son’s school had introduced daily meditations, yielding positive effects on students’ behavior. I had read countless studies about the benefits of meditation and had written about it, genuinely believing in its power. Yet, the thought of incorporating it into my daily routine felt daunting. I made excuses—lack of time, boredom, preferring to sleep in.
But on that day, when everything felt out of control and my anxiety escalated, I knew I had to make a change. I immediately selected one of Headspace’s SOS guided meditations and played it back-to-back three times. Gradually, my breathing steadied, my heart rate normalized, and most importantly, the negative chatter in my mind ceased.
That day, meditation felt almost magical.
Since that pivotal moment, I have prioritized meditation in my daily life. It’s not always a miraculous experience. I still grapple with anxiety and the challenge of maintaining a consistent routine. I can typically sit still for about ten minutes, often gently reminding myself to focus on my breath or the imagery rather than getting lost in thoughts about what to cook for dinner or whether I upset a friend years ago. It’s a work in progress, not always smooth sailing.
However, on some days, the experience is rewarding. I find myself more present in everyday moments—whether I’m washing dishes, folding laundry, or driving kids to soccer practice. Simply being in the moment transforms mundane tasks into meaningful experiences, rather than just chores to get through.
Recognizing that tightness in my chest as merely a feeling rather than something that has power over me has brought small improvements into my daily life. Learning to observe the critical inner voice without internalizing its negativity is far healthier than allowing it to dictate my self-worth.
Meditation may not be the right fit for everyone, and it certainly isn’t a panacea. If you experience severe anxiety, panic attacks, or suspect something more serious, it’s essential to seek professional help, as you deserve support and a path to feeling better. However, for those with mild, occasional anxiety like mine, meditation is absolutely worth exploring.
This article was originally published on Sep. 13, 2017.
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Summary:
Meditation has significantly helped alleviate my mild anxiety, especially during challenging days. Initially overwhelmed by daily pressures, I discovered the calming effects of guided meditation, which has since become a priority in my routine. While it’s not a cure-all, practicing meditation has allowed me to be more present and manage my anxiety more effectively.