Understanding Anxiety video series

How Anxiety Impacts the Body

For many people, anxiety shows up in physiological symptoms – headache, nausea, sweatiness, muscle tension, the list goes on. In this video, Jenn Hall explains how, instead of fearing the physical symptoms, we can use them to our benefit. By listening to our bodies, we can use grounding techniques to keep anxiety from overwhelming us.

Get more out of this series!

After watching video 3, follow these steps to get the most out of this part of the series:

// Step 1

Read and meditate on this passage: “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:25-26)

// Step 2

Answer these discussion questions:

1. 1. Have you ever experienced any of the physical symptoms of anxiety that Jenn lists?
   2. Have you heard of “grounding techniques” before? Are there any you can try out the next time you notice physical symptoms of anxiety?
   3. What are some ways you can improve how you care for your physical self (exercise, nutrition, good night’s sleep, etc.)? Can you see how physical health protects our mind and spirit as well?

// Step 3

Read the article “Overcoming anxiety in parenting” for a list of grounding techniques that parents and children can learn to use when they feel anxious.

// Step 4

Read the article “Taking back control of our well-being” by counsellor Tara Lalonde to learn how we can better care for ourselves emotionally, spiritually, physically and mentally.

// Step 5

Listen to the Focus on the Family Broadcast  “Dealing With Anxiety and Depression During the Coronavirus” with Dr. Gregory Jantz as he describes the physical symptoms of anxiety and what we can do when we struggle with negative thoughts and emotions – whether because of the pandemic or because of other stressors.