Yoga Interlude

Using the Zoom Technique to Deal With Stress and Anxiety

“…Forty thousand years ago, stress was a good and adaptive human response; a fleeting rush of hormones that helped prepare us for any impending physical threat, like a saber-toothed tiger, for instance. But the prolonged, high-intensity stress so many of us experience today serves no useful purpose; it only damages our health in the long run and puts us at greater risk for heart problems, cancer, depression, anxiety and worsens other conditions such as diabetes, asthma and arthritis.” adapted from Dr. Oz’s website.

So, how do we deal with our modern ‘tigers without claws’ without becoming ill through literally stewing in our own juices? Dr. Oz has a checklist that includes exercise and dietary suggestions. You will find the article here. Yoga Interlude addresses the body through yoga, the mind through coaching and the spirit through laughter and helps to combat this ‘prolonged high intensity stress’ Dr. Oz describes.

In my upcoming program ‘Stop the Anxiety that’s Stopping You‘, other techniques such as visualizations, meditations and conscious breathing are offered as well. One such technique involves a visualization whereby you see yourself moving through your tasks in the moment, ‘tai chi’ style…with grace and ease, prior to tackling a project or the busy day ahead.  While I’m no expert on this martial art form, I understand that Tai Chi is a Chinese system of physical exercises that is believed to facilitate the flow of Qi (life force) in the body, promoting good health and vitality. This ancient discipline of ‘moving meditation’ employs energies that are Yin Yang opposites; softness and strength, forward and backwards, action and calm.

Assessing what energy is required in any given situation is something you may enjoy exploring. If you’re frustrated, for example and find that your tendency is to yell, maybe putting your words into quiet, calm action may be more effective for all involved. This is another potential access point to experiencing what it means to ‘go with the flow’.

My husband, who is of calm temperament and a talented musician and songwriter describes through the following lyrics – the notion of diving deeper to a place inside…

The juggler never loses track, he keeps it all in motion
He’s master in the art of time and spacing
Like a surfer in the still point on a wave out in the ocean
He remains unmoved while everything is racing….and everything’s racing

- Rick Pearson

While I do meditate and aspire to be enlightened and calm in nature, I tend to rely on my resources and strategies to keep me afloat when the waves of anxiety begin to swell. For example, the other day my youngest daughter began complaining about a stomach ache and, because of her history of being a little challenging to read at times, this kept me on edge for much of the day.  Seeing her flop around from one couch to the other with an empty bowl in hand had me concerned and trying to figure out what to do if she began to feel worse.  And off my mind went, like a racehorse. The thoughts began to fire.. ” well, am I going to need to get her to a doctor? It’s Sunday, I better get her to a clinic while it’s open…I may not have the car this afternoon…What if the doctor doesn’t help? I prefer my family doctor…What if it’s the flu, food poisoning, e-coli?’

I understand that it’s good to be prepared if possible, yet in those moments, I need to remind myself to pull back on the reigns. I used something I call the ‘zoom technique” which is a tool I created to help myself and my clients get present to the actual situation. The zoom technique is to fast forward (zoom) to the end point or greatest fear of the situation and work backwards to the present. It goes something like this: ” She’s still alive, she’s not in hospital, she’s not vomiting, she’s without fever, she’s still eating, she’s been able to show moments of enthusiasm by playing the piano… she’s had a stomach ache before and she’ll recover again.” This is one way to stop the runaway train of thoughts.

What do you do to stay calm?   I would love to get your feedback. On my blog, you’ll get commentluv. That’s a plug in whereby you leave your comment and you can leave a link back to your own blog!

Until next time,

Ali

Tags: alison tennen, anxiety, anxiety relief, Anxiety strategies, coaching programs, Dr. Oz, dream path coaching, Joy Unlimited Workshops, modern day stress, Stop the Anxiety That's Stopping You, stress, stress and anxiety coach, Tai Chi, yoga interlude, zoom technique