3 Easy Steps to Start Managing Anxiety and Depression

Have you found yourself struggling with symptoms of anxiety or depression lately?

We need you to know two things: you are not alone, and we’re here to help.

According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 8 people have a mental health diagnosis, the most common being anxiety or depression. This was prior to the world shutting down in 2020 due to COVID-19, where there was a significant increase (26 to 28%) in anxiety and depressive disorders.

These are the facts, but how do we move forward from here?

We understand it can be difficult to ask for help. Whether you’re considering engaging in therapy or just stumbled upon our website, our goal is to share resources that are easily accessible.

Here at Compassionate Roots, we’ve seen the benefits of utilizing nature in our therapeutic practices, and luckily for us, nature is all around.

Below are three easy steps to start managing your anxiety and depression, in the comfort of your backyard, or even a nearby park.

01. Take off your shoes and walk in the grass.

Don’t feel like walking? Simply sit or lay in the grass where you are making direct contact with the earth. This is an easy way to get grounded.

Getting grounded, or reconnected to earth, has shown many benefits such as improving mood, reducing stress and inflammation, and even decreasing feelings of fatigue.

02. Allow yourself to be fully present and aware of your surroundings.

Try this for at least five minutes. Whether you’re struggling with excessive worry or not finding enjoyment in things, it’s important to s l o w d o w n.

It’s easy for all of us to get caught up in the fast pace of life or turn on autopilot as we go through our day. Pay attention to your breath, how your feet feel in the grass, how the breeze blows the leaves of the trees, or the smell of the neighbor’s fresh cut lawn. Mindfulness alone can lower blood pressure, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase self-control and emotional regulation.

03. Stretch your body in a way that is comfortable for you.

Reach your arms up to the sky, get into downward dog, or simply lean forward while sitting and touch your hands to the ground.

Mind-body connection is how our bodies respond to stress. How we think impacts how we feel, and emotions manifest in our bodies in different areas. For example, overwhelming amounts of stress can cause headaches, gastrointestinal issues, tense muscles, or pain in other areas of the body. Strengthening our mind-body connection can increase our awareness of negative emotions, reduce stress and anxiety, and lower our blood pressure.

Save this post for the next time you’re feeling anxious, depressed, or disconnected and could use a little reminder for helpful tools to manage your anxiety or depression. 

Now, take a deep breath, relax your shoulders, and carry on with your day.

Written by: La'Shea Gibson, LCSW