Learning to regulate your nervous system is perhaps one of the most profound acts of self-care you can undertake. It’s the foundation upon which everything else—secure attachment, meaningful relationships, resilience, and well-being—is built.

Often when we are in the midst of feeling anxious, it’s hard to know what will help us feel better. Below I have listed 5 practices to alleviate anxiety and calm our nervous system to slow down (think…a long noisy exhale) and shift our perspective. The practices are not about changing or denying your experience but they will allow you to better understand what is causing the anxiety.