Ecotherapy for anxiety, stress and burnout
At time of acute and/or prologued stress we may become physically ill, depressed and feeling unmotivated and helpless. We may resort to unhealthy coping strategies whilst keeping us detached and sometimes dissociated from overwhelming feelings of distress, psychological pain, grief and hopelessness to protect ourselves.
Qi Gong for Anxiety
Goal: Ground the mind and stabilize emotions through
- Very slow movements
- Emphasis on lower-body grounding
- Attention placed on the breath or feet
Helpful practices
- Weight shifting side to side
- Slow squats or knee bends (very gentle)
- Breathing into the belly with hands placed there
Why it helps
- Reduces racing thoughts
- Brings awareness out of the head and into the body
- Improves emotional regulation
Qi Gong for stress
Goal: Calm the nervous system and release tension through
- Slow, rhythmic movements
- Long, relaxed exhalations
- Focus on letting go rather than building energy
Helpful Practices
- Gentle arm raising and lowering;
- Shoulder and neck release;
- Standing still with hands on the lower abdomen (centering)
Why it helps
- Activates the parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) response
- Lowers cortisol and muscle tension
