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Need Ideas for 18yo Step-Daughter

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  • December 18, 2019 at 8:54 am #328169
    Princess Bodhisattva Alopecia
    Participant

    My 18yo step-daughter has pretty severe anxiety. She is very self critical (not that she’d admit that to anyone but me–we are very close). I’ve been trying to get her to do some simple breathing exercises to help calm her. I told her to focus on her breath, not to change it, just notice it. When her mind starts to wander (as it will), I told her to just note it and go back to the breath. She’s tried it, and it is causing her more anxiety (judgment about doing it wrong; hyperventilating; beating herself up because she can’t even breathe right; etc.). I need some resources: books, meditations, meditation scripts, advice. I know it can help her if she can get past the judgment. I’d love to hear your stories and suggestions. Thank you in advance!

    December 18, 2019 at 10:25 am #328427
    Anonymous
    Guest

    Dear Princess Bodhisattva Alopecia:

    Because the breathing exercise you suggested to her caused her to  get even more anxious, I wouldn’t suggest guided meditation to  her at this time because they start and end with instructions to focus her attention on her breathing. What may work for her is daily aerobic exercise, such as fast walking or swimming. The physical exertion forces the person to breath naturally, getting the oxygen she needs  and the calming regularity of breathing, without paying attention to her breathing.

    Attending exercises classes in a gym, including yoga classes can help her as well. While she follows a teacher’s instructions, focusing on her body movements/ her muscles/her postures, she gets a break from thinking. It is like taking the elevator down from the over-thinking, self critical brain–>  to the body and the brain gets a break.

    Makes sense?

    anita

    December 21, 2019 at 3:26 pm #328887
    Princess Bodhisattva Alopecia
    Participant

    Yes. That makes a lot of sense. When I started down this path, it was with yoga first. Unfortunately, she’s not likely to do anything physical on her own. However, I might be able to get her to do some yoga with me. Even if it is just a short 15 minute daily practice. Thanks for the advice!

    December 22, 2019 at 8:14 am #328945
    Anonymous
    Guest

    You are welcome, Princess Bodhisttva Alopecia. I hope her yoga experience with you is a good experience for her, and a good beginning.

    anita

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