Alleviating Stress & Anxiety With Mantras

The powerful connection between mind and body cannot be underestimated. Anyone that has experienced anxiety or stress will be able to tell you about the physical impact and the toll those experiences had on their bodies. The drain of energy, the mysterious pains, bloating, debilitating headaches, breathing problems, chest pain. The list is endless.

Thankfully, that connection between body and mind can also aid us as we attempt to alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety. With meditation mantras, we can tap into our unconsciousness to ease the stresses away and begin to heal from the inside out.

What is a Mantra?

Mantras have been used for thousands of years to help people to realign their nervous systems when stress or depression throws them off course. Often associated with Buddhism and even yoga, mantras are in fact used the world over by many different faiths.

Typically, a mantra would be used in a meditation setting but can also be used in moments of stress to recenter your energy. Traditionally, a mantra would consist of one word or syllable, usually thought to be sacred. This word is then repeated in a slow and calming succession accompanied by mindful breathing.

What Mantra Should I use?

In more recent generations, mantras have evolved from sacred chants to include more modern sayings and phrases. Hayley Lambert, a blogger, uses a phrase that resonates with her personally. “When I started using mantras I couldn’t settle on a traditional chant. I was almost by accident that I realised ‘Flow With Power’ worked just as well for me”, says Hayley.  Modern mantras work as well as any others for releasing stress and anxiety. What is important is that you are comfortable and feel a sense of calm or release or even power from using your mantra.

Beginner Mantras

A great modern mantra for beginners because it is similar to a positive affirmation is I am. The I am… mantra allows space for you to create what you need with your mantra. If you are experiencing a period of despair caused by anxiety, this chant could become “I am healing” or simply “I am OK”. For anyone dealing with the darkness of self-loathing sometimes experienced with both stress and anxiety, the I am mantra can help to bring you back to a place of self-compassion, “I am love(d)”, “I am strong”, “I am light”. Play around with it and see what works for you.

A traditional mantra with great power for alleviating stress and anxiety that you are no doubt familiar with is OM. This is a highly symbolic mantra said to contain divine energy or life force. OM is best used in meditation where you can peacefully embrace the power of the vibrations created from your breath and body as you elongate the OM  in your practice. The power of this mantra is undeniable.

More Advanced Mantras

One of the most powerful mantras for depression, stress, and anxiety, is one you may have heard on busy city streets. It may have brought you joy and light without you recognising the force it contained. I am of course talking about the Hare Krishna chant. The words sung by the Krishna troupes worldwide are not as random as they may seem. They are in fact known as the Great Mantra. A mantra that is said to “awaken the soul”. The full Hare Krishna chant is as follows. Start by repeating the words and then try to work in a little tune as they become familiar.

Hare Rāma Hare Rāma

Rāma Rāma Hare Hare

Hare Kṛṣṇa Hare Kṛṣṇa

Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa Hare Hare

For anyone who prefers a modern mantra, try With My Breath Comes Freedom. This mantra aims to divert your anxious mind to concentrate on your breathing, With every repeated mantra you are literally reminding yourself of your breath.

Alternatively, you might try a Ganesh mantra, like Ganesh Maha. Lord Ganesh is a god in Hinduism who is believed to remove obstacles. Ganesh Maha is believed to channel positivity and in turn, remove stresses and anxieties.  

Whichever mantra you choose, know that it is OK to change your mind if you are not fully comfortable with it. Do try to use a mantra a few times, perhaps daily for a week, before giving it up. If you choose to meditate with your mantra, find a warm and comfortable space where you will not be disturbed. Ideally, this space will be free from clutter and distractions. Leaving you free to focus on yourself.

Beatrix Potter became a mindfulness coach ten years ago after years of self-practice. When she is not guiding mindfulness and yoga groups, Bea writes for Coursework Writing Service and Law Writing Service websites. She also is a contributor for Paper Fellows portal.