Full disclosure: I navigate life with mild anxiety. While I don’t typically experience the kind of anxiety that disrupts entire days—aside from a few challenging postpartum months after the arrivals of both my children—there’s always a tight, jittery knot residing just beneath my sternum. Some days are tougher than others, especially when adult responsibilities pile up, or if I haven’t had enough sleep, or if I haven’t engaged in physical activity.
I thought I had a grip on my anxiety. Then one day, amidst the monotony of daily life, I woke up feeling unusually “off.” I snapped at my son for not hurrying, even though he had ample time. I barked at my partner for not taking out the trash, even while he was rushing to an early meeting. Simple tasks like unloading the dishwasher or fixing my daughter’s hair felt insurmountable, as that knot beneath my breastbone threatened to consume me entirely.
I struggled to take a deep breath and felt my heart racing. In desperation, I even resorted to breathing into a paper bag while sprawled on the floor, my family watching anxiously. The inner dialogue spiraled downward, insisting that I was unraveling—and I believed every word.
I had dabbled in meditation, mainly through the Headspace app, which I appreciated for its guided approach. My son’s school had incorporated daily meditations with positive results for the kids’ behaviors. I had read numerous studies endorsing meditation, even written about its benefits, and genuinely believed in its power. Yet, committing to a daily practice felt daunting. I made excuses—time constraints, boredom, a desire to sleep in.
However, that day, when I felt my world tilting, I resolved to try something different. I immediately selected one of Headspace’s SOS guided meditations and repeated it—not once, but twice, and then a third time for good measure. Gradually, my breathing steadied, my heart calmed, and, most importantly, the incessant inner critic quieted.
On that day, meditation felt almost magical.
Since then, I’ve made meditation a daily priority. It’s not always a transformative experience. I still grapple with anxiety and maintaining a consistent routine. I often find myself sitting in silence for only ten minutes, gently reminding myself to focus on my breath or the meditation imagery instead of stressing over dinner plans or past conversations that might have upset friends. It’s a journey—sometimes smooth, sometimes not.
Yet, on certain days, I find myself more present in the moment, whether I’m doing the dishes, folding laundry, or driving my kids to soccer practice. Just being present helps transform mundane tasks into moments of life rather than mere obligations I must endure. Acknowledging that tight sensation behind my breastbone as just a feeling—rather than allowing it to control me—has made a significant difference in my daily experience. Observing the negative inner voices without letting them dictate my worth has been liberating.
Meditation may not be suitable for everyone, nor is it a panacea. If you suffer from severe anxiety or panic attacks, it’s crucial to seek professional help. You deserve support, and things can improve. However, for those of us who experience mild anxiety, meditation is absolutely worth exploring. For additional insights on coping with anxiety, check out this resource on intrauterine insemination, which can be helpful for anyone looking into fertility options.
In summary, while meditation isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, it has undeniably contributed to my ability to manage anxiety. By cultivating a practice of mindfulness, I’ve found a way to navigate daily stresses with more grace.