Does Any One Else Use Mantras To Deal With Anxiety?

[Seasounds]

I'm starting to use Buddhist mantras when I have intrusive thoughts, to anchor me in the present.
The seem to be helping; especially when I use them to center myself after I have allowed myself to feel the anxious feelings-don't want to stuff them.)

 

[Friday]

Hell, yes. They're mostly military, tho. Not religious. Whatever speaks to your heart.

 

[LuckyDuck]

Yes, usually rhyming stuff. Stick better in my head.

The one I use the most is "I'm singing in the rain.". It's not really related but it gets me out of it. Turns my frown upside down, it does. A memory of better times. Otherwise it's just the same old mantra of "Oh shit oh shit oh shit oh shit!"

LD

 

[Deleted member 20978]

I had forgotten about this tool until your post. Last year I saw a therapist who used these and gave me one, I found I would use it at different times and places and as you say it did help a lot with anxiety and fear.

 

[MCCS]

I've always used song lyrics myself, one in particular "I'll hold you in the dark times and if things don't go my way, I'll embrace you in the sun and fall in love again today." You referring to myself :) Has been my favourite song lyrics for at least 7 years now

 

[Chosen]

I do the Jesus prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me." It helps me.

 

[Seasounds]

I love how you all shared your own version of how you use word repetition, prayers, military phrases, and songs. I'm just really learning how saying things silently or aloud can be helpful-calming, movitaving, or a bridge (something else to do rather than do an old habit) to a new choice.

Good to know I have company.

@MCCS, where are the lyrics from?

@FridayJones , (if within the forum guidelines) what is a military phrase you say to yourself, that is helpful?

 

[Panda Bear]

Yes. Favorite verses that are short and easy to repeat in my head or song lyrics as well.

 

[Tinyflame]

Thank you @Saetva I too forgot about this.

:hug:

 

[Stickler]

OM works for me, has for a long time. Shuts a noisy and hurting head right up.

 

[MCCS]

I love how you all shared your own version of how you use word repetition, prayers, military phrases, and...

The lyrics are from Jacob Hoggard - Trip Breakfast TV version which is different from the Hedley version. I listened to that song over and over when I was in the hospital 7 years ago and it's been my favourite song ever since. I actually want to get those lyrics tattooed on me as a reminder that I'm here for myself no matter what.

I also love the serenity prayer: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.