Anxiety Symptoms and Meditation: What to Know | Bayside Meditation
Updated: Aug 30, 2023
Anxiety can involve physical, emotional and cognitive symptoms. Occasional anxiety is common; persistent anxiety that disrupts daily life may be an anxiety disorder. People experiencing anxiety may feel a sense of unease, restlessness, or a constant worry that something bad will happen. They may also have difficulty concentrating, experience irritability, or have trouble sleeping. Physical symptoms can include rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, muscle tension, and stomach discomfort. These symptoms can also have other causes, so a health care professional can help assess them.
Some structured mindfulness programs have shown benefits for anxiety in research, but findings vary. This evidence does not establish that Bayside Meditation’s subtracting method treats anxiety. The examples below describe mindfulness and relaxation approaches used elsewhere.
Mindfulness: This practice involves noticing the present moment with an open, nonjudgmental attitude. Some programs use attention to the breath.
Relaxation Techniques: Progressive muscle relaxation involves tensing and releasing muscle groups. A body scan involves paying attention to bodily sensations. These are distinct practices.
Working with Emotions: Mindfulness approaches invite people to notice thoughts and feelings without immediately judging or reacting to them.
Perspective: Some mindfulness exercises invite people to notice anxious thoughts as passing experiences, rather than automatically treating them as facts.
Bayside Meditation teaches a guided subtracting method focused on reflecting on and letting go of accumulated thoughts and attachments. A guide can explain this practice and its spiritual perspective. Breath-focused mindfulness, body scans and progressive muscle relaxation are separate approaches; research on them cannot be assumed to show benefits from Bayside’s method.
For more on symptoms and care, read NIMH’s anxiety guidance. The NCCIH meditation overview discusses research limits and safety.
If anxiety persists or interferes with daily life, seek a qualified health care professional. Evidence-based care can include psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication when appropriate. Meditation should not delay that care. If a practice increases your distress, pause and discuss it with your clinician.
Related reflection on relationships: Be friends with everyone
If you would like to learn about Bayside’s subtracting method, try an introduction with our meditation guides:
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