Why does deep breathing calm anxiety — Blog — Anchor Therapy, LLC

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Why does deep breathing calm anxiety

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Everything You Need to Know about CBT for Postpartum Depression

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Everything You Need to Know about CBT for Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression, simply referred to as PPD, is a serious mental health condition that affects many new mothers, often leaving them feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, and uncertain. The arrival of a newborn is typically a time of joy, but the emotional and psychological toll of this major life transition can be significant. Luckily, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is an evidence-based treatment that has been proven to be a highly effective treatment for PPD. CBT for PPD offers new mothers tools to manage their mental health symptoms, challenge negative thought patterns, and construct healthier coping skills. Whether you are struggling with PPD yourself or know someone who is struggling, understanding how CBT works can make a big difference in the journey towards healing.


In this blog, we will dive into everything you need to know about CBT for PPD. You will learn how CBT targets the root causes of depression, its benefits, and how it can be integrated into your mental health treatment plan. If you are ready to learn more about how CBT can help ease the challenges of PPD, keep reading!

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How Can I Control My Anxiety While Pregnant?

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How Can I Control My Anxiety While Pregnant?

Pregnancy can be an exciting yet overwhelming time and, for many, anxiety can become an unexpected challenge. The physical, emotional, and hormonal changes that come with pregnancy may trigger feelings of worry, stress, and fear about the future. Managing anxiety during this period is crucial not only for your well-being but also for the health of your baby. It is important to acknowledge your feelings and seek ways to navigate this rollercoaster of emotions in a calm and healthy manner!


There are several strategies that can help you maintain peace of mind during pregnancy, from deep breathing exercises and mindfulness practices to physical activities that reduce tension. Connecting with a supportive network of friends, family, or women’s health professionals can also provide comfort and reassurance. In this blog, we will explore some of the most effective ways to manage anxiety while pregnant, ensuring that you can enjoy this beautiful journey with more calm and confidence.

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EMDR In A Nutshell

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EMDR In A Nutshell

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic technique designed to help you  process and heal from traumatic experiences. It was developed in the late 1980s by Francine Shapiro and has since become a widely recognized treatment for trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). EMDR works by using bilateral stimulation, often through guided eye movements, to help the brain reprocess distressing memories. This process helps you reframe negative thoughts and emotions associated with traumatic events, allowing you to experience relief and healing.


Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses on processing the memories that contribute to emotional distress rather than simply discussing them. Therefore, EMDR is a somatic therapy, or a body-centered type of counseling. The therapy is conducted in a structured format, where your EMDR therapist at Anchor Therapy guides you through different stages, including identifying distressing memories, targeting specific emotions, and using the bilateral stimulation to facilitate reprocessing. Over time, this helps to reduce the emotional charge attached to those memories, making them less intrusive and more manageable. Research has shown significant success in treating a range of mental health conditions, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, with EMDR.

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6 Ways to Overcome Emotional Eating

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6 Ways to Overcome Emotional Eating

Emotional eating is a common struggle many people face, often turning to food as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, sadness, or even boredom. Instead of eating out of hunger, emotional eating involves using food as a source of comfort which can lead to overeating and unhealthy food choices. This cycle can be difficult to break, especially when food provides temporary relief from overwhelming emotions. However, recognizing the pattern is the first step toward gaining control and developing healthier habits!


Overcoming emotional eating requires a combination of mindfulness, emotional awareness, and practical strategies. By understanding the emotional triggers behind your cravings and finding alternative ways to address them, you can build a healthier relationship with food. In this blog, we will explore six effective strategies to help you break free from emotional eating, regain control of your eating habits, and foster a more balanced and mindful approach to food.

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Natural Anxiety Solutions That Actually Work

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Natural Anxiety Solutions That Actually Work

When stress arises in your life, anxiety is a natural response. However, anxiety crosses the line when it starts to become an overwhelming or constant force in your life, disrupting your daily life and welfare in the process. Modern medicine can offer a range of treatments. In fact, research has shown that at least 10% of prescriptions filled in the United States were for anxiety and depression medications. With that being said, many people are seeking a natural, holistic option to calm their mind. These natural solutions can address symptoms, but can also get to the root cause of your anxiety. 

In this blog, we will explore natural anxiety solutions that have worked for many people. Whether you are dealing with occasional nervousness or persistent worry, the relief techniques you will learn can be weaved into your lifestyle to create long-lasting change. Let us dive into the strategies that can help you feel more in control and grounded!

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5 Ways to Start Practicing Mindfulness

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5 Ways to Start Practicing Mindfulness

In today’s world, everyone is constantly on the go. We have certain things that demand our attention, deadlines at work or at school, and other constant streams of distractions, such as social media. Many of us find ourselves living life on autopilot. You may be moving from one task to the next without even realizing it. If this sounds like your life, this is where mindfulness can come into play. Mindfulness is a simple, transformative way of life that invites you to slow down, tune in, and reconnect with the present.

Mindfulness is not about just achieving a peaceful state of mind or escaping the challenges of life- it is about cultivating awareness and acceptance for the present moment, no matter what life throws your way. Whether you are looking to manage stress or simply want to learn how to savor life’s small moments, mindfulness can help you engage with life’s experiences on a deeper level. Research shows that mindfulness can reduce stress by 31%.

If you have been curious about starting your journey with mindfulness but are not sure where to begin, you are in the right place! Whether you are a complete beginner or you are looking to refresh your mindfulness practice, keep reading this blog to find approachable ways to integrate mindfulness into your daily routine.

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5 Emotional Effects of a Hurricane

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5 Emotional Effects of a Hurricane

Hurricanes are often known for their physical destruction. When you think of a hurricane, it is likely that some powerful images come to your mind- torrential rains, powerful winds, and surging water. However, what is not talked about as much is the emotional impact of a hurricane which can be just as overwhelming as the physical effects. 


The devastation brought by recent storms, such as Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene, extend beyond just the physical wreckage left behind. When going through a natural disaster, it is likely that you are experiencing a whirlwind of emotions, from anxiety and fear to grief and helplessness. 


In the immediate aftermath of a hurricane, you are likely dealing with a lot of things, from the chaos and uncertainty surrounding evacuations to property damage. This sort of disruption in your life can leave you feeling vulnerable and emotionally exhausted. 


Going through a natural disaster once may leave you wondering when the next one will strike. This heightened fear can lead to more stress, insomnia, and even Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. The experience of living through and surviving a hurricane can challenge your sense of safety, creating emotional scars that require mental health healing.

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5 Breathwork Techniques To Decrease Anxiety

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5 Breathwork Techniques To Decrease Anxiety

Breath patterns have a direct affect on one’s anxiety levels. Feeling anxious is overwhelming. Any sign of anxiety, whether cognitive or emotional, is uncomfortable, but physical anxiety signs can feel especially frightening, specifically shortness of breath. In fact, many people mistake an anxiety attack for a heart attack because of the severe physical symptoms.

When you feel anxiety building up inside of you, there are techniques out there to bring you back to a calm, balanced base level. One of these calming techniques is breathwork. Breathing exercises can be a long-term strategy for managing your anxiety successfully.

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