KNOWLEDGE & INSIGHTS

Simply Focusing on Your Breath Can Calm Anxiety Over COVID-19

COVID-19 isn’t only making people sick, it’s infecting our psyche with anxiety and fear. As individuals, we cannot control this pandemic (although we can help slow its progression by following stay-at-home orders), but we can manage our reactions to it.

Meditation is a relaxation practice that can keep our thoughts and feelings in the present moment. While meditating, you are not ruminating about the past or worrying about the future. It trains us to be mindful —aware of each moment without the soundtrack of judgement running in our heads. NewBridge Services will present a different meditation practice each day for the next five days. Today’s topic is focusing on your breath.

Focusing on Your Breath

This is a great introduction to meditation. You can do it anywhere, and even a minute or two of it can be effective. Try building up to 5, then 10 minutes. Follow these steps:

1. Sit comfortably and relax your shoulders.
2. Breathe in through your nose slowly and deeply. Feel your abdomen expand.
3. Exhale slowly.
4. Feel relaxation filling your body.
5. Work up to doing it for longer periods.

Still Struggling?

If you feel overwhelmed by anxiety, please contact NewBridge Services at (973) 316-9333. NewBridge, a community provider of mental health care for 57 years, now offers telehealth sessions. NewBridge’s skilled, licensed counselors can help people cope with:

• Anxiety, depression and other mental health problems
• Addiction
• Grief and trauma
• Relationship challenges
• Anger management