When you get stressed, overwhelmed, or anxious, there is a series of events that occur in your body, your brain, and your nervous system, that knock you off center. All of your attention goes to the fearful thought or feeling, you may hold your breath, and you lose awareness of your body.
Feel your feet on the ground
When this happens, TRY THIS! (Yes, those are my feet. Try this barefoot in the grass as well. Even better.)
Notice your weight dropping down onto your feet and then onto the floor.
Your connection to the floor (Your kinesthetic awareness of your feet), slows your nervous system, brings you into the present moment so you can be calm again.
This technique is extremely helpful in high-stakes situations where you could easily get lost in the stream of negative thoughts that sabotage life changing opportunities.
“What if I mess up?”
“I can’t do this.”
“What if they don’t like me?”
I have my clients train using this technique for auditions or public speaking events. They will tell me that right before an audition, instead of being distracted and overwhelmed, they feel confidence and relaxation because they are more aware of their feet and their bodies.
When you change how you move in your body, you change how you use your mind. The Mind-Body Connection is undeniable. Feeling your feet on the ground during times of stress can interfere with the negative thought loop. This interference gives you the opportunity to STOP, let breath out, and choose your thoughts. You have the time and mental space to think clearly, take right action, and succeed!
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