What keeps you centered?
This is a question that I have been thinking about a lot. And it’s a question that I ask a lot of my clients, and my friends.
If centered is not the right word for you, how about: grounded, balanced, focused.
Anxiety is one of the biggest issues that I usually work with clients on, and it is probably one of the most prevalent issues that friends and acquaintances ask my advice on.
Having something that daily centers us can help reduce the anxiety in our lives. I have tried to use this practice in my own life in various spheres.
So for example:
- As a Christian, God, my life in Christ is what centers me, or helps keep me grounded. My dependence upon, and relationship with God has helped reduce a lot of anxiety in my own life. That is sometimes hard for us to wrap our minds around. We think it, believe, know it (theologically), but to practice it is difficult. This can be practiced through a life of prayer and reading and meditation upon the Scriptures, worship, community, etc.
- I also exercise as often as I can. Not as much as I would like to, but I’m working on it. When I ran back to back marathons in October 2007 and March 2008, I felt the most grounded, non-anxious and confident that I have ever felt. Exercise has a way of keeping us centered. I often recommend pilates, yoga, walking, running or some form of exercise to people as a way to center them and help reduce anxiety.
- There are certain rituals that I like in the morning to help ground me. A cup of coffee in my hand at the beginning of my work day has a certain centering effect upon me. Rituals like long drives with great music playing also helps.
- I started reworking my way through Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen (thanks to Tony Steward’s post and influence). I have found that this workflow system has a certain centering effect on my work stress during the day.
What works for you to keep you centered, grounded, balanced, well focused?
Share some tips….
