Let’s get real: I experience mild anxiety. It’s not the kind that consumes entire days—except during those postpartum months following the births of both my children. Yet, that anxious energy lingers, manifesting as a tight, restless knot just beneath my sternum. Some days are tougher, especially when adult responsibilities pile up or when I’m running on little sleep or have skipped my workout.
For a while, I thought I had my anxiety under control. Then one day, seemingly out of nowhere, I found myself overwhelmed. I woke up feeling off, and it spiraled from there. I snapped at my son for being slow, even though he had plenty of time. I barked at my husband for not taking out the trash, fully aware he was rushing off to an early meeting. Even simple tasks like unloading the dishwasher or fixing my daughter’s hair felt monumental, the knot in my chest threatening to take over completely.
I struggled to breathe deeply, and my heart raced. I even resorted to breathing into a paper bag while sprawled on the floor, my family looking on in concern. The negative self-talk echoed in my mind, convincing me I was unraveling, and I believed it.
Feeling defeated, I remembered my sporadic experiences with meditation, thanks to the Headspace app. I liked having a guide, and I’d heard about its positive effects on children’s behavior at my son’s school. Despite believing in its benefits and having written about it, I resisted making it a daily habit—excuses about time and boredom kept me away.
But that chaotic day, when my anxiety felt unmanageable, I decided to take action. I pulled up one of Headspace’s SOS guided meditations and played it three times in a row. Gradually, my breathing steadied, my heart calmed, and the relentless negative voices quieted. That day, meditation felt almost magical.
Since then, I’ve made meditation a priority, even if it doesn’t always feel transformative. I still contend with anxiety and the challenge of maintaining a daily routine. My sessions typically last about ten minutes, and I often find myself gently nudging my thoughts back to my breath, rather than dwelling on things like what I need for pot roast or past conversations that haunt me.
Some days are better than others. I find myself more present, whether I’m washing dishes, folding laundry, or driving my kids to soccer practice. Simply being in the moment transforms mundane tasks into meaningful experiences. Acknowledging that tightness in my chest as just a feeling, rather than a defining part of me, has made a difference. Observing those inner critics and letting them pass without believing their harsh words is far healthier than internalizing their negativity.
Of course, meditation isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s not a cure for serious anxiety, panic attacks, or underlying issues that may require professional help. If you’re grappling with significant anxiety, seeking support is essential—you deserve it, and things can improve. However, if you experience mild anxiety like I do, giving meditation a shot may be worthwhile.
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In summary, meditation has proven to be a valuable tool in managing my anxiety. While it won’t eliminate my challenges, it has helped me cultivate a greater sense of awareness and presence in my daily life.