Photo by Kaylah Otto on Unsplash

While the Alexander Technique is known by performing artists to relieve performance anxiety, it is also helpful in coping with Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

It is because the Alexander Technique addresses stress in the mind and body that it is beneficial. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by excessive worry--to the point where a person finds it difficult to control their fears and they struggle to function. Physical symptoms like excess muscular tension accompany the mental stress.

The Alexander Technique can help distract someone with GAD with alternative thoughts to the worry spiral. Thought patterns that focus on undoing excess tension and breathing work can interrupt the cycle of worry. Gradually, the individual will be empowered to use their Alexander Technique thinking to create a sense of calm at will.

The ability to learn and implement the tools of the Alexander Technique doesn’t take long. One lesson will set the student on their way to a new way of being in the world.

A former teacher of mine and the Director of the American Center for the Alexander Technique, Brooke Lieb, wrote an incredible article about using the Alexander Technique to stop anxiety. Here is an exercise from her article:

How to Release Muscle Tension with Direct Intention

1. Notice a topic you may be concerned about, or worrying over. (There are plenty of issues facing us, such as the state of today's economy.)

2. Write down the thoughts of concern or worry you are experiencing.

3. Which ones are based on current facts/circumstances? Which ones are based on what might or might not happen?

4. Now, take a moment to think of allowing your shoulders and jaw to release some tension. Notice what that is like.

5. Now, think about something you are concerned or worried about.

6. Return to releasing your jaw and shoulders. You may have noticed that they tensed again when you put your attention on your concerns.

7. Continue to move back and forth between actively releasing tension in shoulder and jaw, and thinking about things that worry you.

I would be interested to know if you found this activity to be helpful. Please feel free to share other ways in which you manage stress.