The Manifesto 8#
How do you cope when your head is full of anxious thoughts going round in circles? Do you have tools to quieten the noise?
For me I have to move. I go for a walk, and if those anxious thoughts are really loud, I run. Like many physical performers I can make more sense of my feelings in my body than I can in my head, so I try move my feelings from my head to my body. The cyclic nature of rumination can quickly overwhelm us and make us feel anxious. Rumination happens when we get stuck in a thought loop. Trying to make sense of something . It basically means you dissect every aspect of a difficult situation, a self focused, repetitive cognitive activity. The repetition and the feelings of inadequacy can raise anxiety, and anxiety interferes with solving the problem. You’re stuck in a loop!
So how do we cope with rumination? I get physical and move, but some people distract themselves, talk to friends, write, meditate, search out solutions or find a therapist. Whatever it is you do, be sure you know what works for you. So you can reach into your tool box when you find yourself worrying or ruminating.
Notice it, rather than getting lost in it.
‘Shut up and squat’- Arnold Schwarzenegger (Arnie’s advice is helpful to me but I acknowledge not for everyone)
Kareena. x
Kareena Hodgson was a full-time professional international circus performer for 20 years, who is now an accredited Counsellor/life coach and The Manifesto is her professional consultancy. She is uniquely suited to working in the mental health space within the performing arts. She is also the Senior Editor, Executive Coach & Moral Backbone of Carnival Cinema.
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