Coping with Anxiety and Depression: Tools Inspired by Native Practices

Anxiety and depression are tough to deal with, and at times, it can feel like you’re facing an uphill battle. 

The weight of these emotions can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to navigate the hustle and bustle of daily life. 

But what if the answer to managing these feelings could be found in the wisdom of centuries-old practices?

Indigenous healing practices offer a unique and powerful way to cope with anxiety and depression—tools that have been passed down through generations. 

These practices aren’t just about treating symptoms; they’re about connecting with nature, yourself, and the world around you in a deeper, more meaningful way.

So, let’s explore some Indigenous healing practices that can help ground you, bring peace to your mind, and provide a sense of balance when anxiety and depression feel like they’re taking over.

Why Indigenous Healing Practices?

Indigenous cultures have long understood the deep connection between mind, body, and spirit. 

These practices focus on healing the whole person, not just addressing symptoms. They honor the relationship between humans and nature, the rhythms of the seasons, and the importance of community.

Indigenous healing practices are diverse, depending on the culture and region, but many share common threads—rituals that promote balance, mindfulness, and emotional resilience. 

And today, these age-old practices are proving to be as effective as ever when it comes to coping with modern-day challenges like anxiety and depression.

Grounding Exercises: Reconnect with the Earth

One of the most powerful tools in Indigenous healing practices is grounding. It’s a simple technique that involves reconnecting with the earth beneath you. 

The idea is that the earth’s natural energy can help balance your own.

How to Ground Yourself:

1. Find a quiet space—ideally, outdoors, but it can be indoors if that’s not an option.
2. Take your shoes off and feel the earth beneath your feet. If you’re outside, stand or sit in the grass, sand, or dirt.
3. Take deep breaths and focus on the sensation of the ground beneath you. Picture yourself as deeply rooted in the earth, like a tree.
4. Visualize the earth’s energy flowing up into your body, calming your mind, and grounding you in the present moment.

Grounding exercises help you reconnect with the present and remind you that you are part of something much bigger than yourself.

Breathwork: Harness the Power of Your Breath

Breathwork is another foundational aspect of indigenous healing practices. In many Indigenous cultures, breath is considered sacred—symbolizing the life force that connects us all. 

When we feel overwhelmed by anxiety or depression, our breath often becomes shallow or erratic. 

Breathwork allows us to slow down, re-center, and calm our nervous system.

Breathing Exercise:

1. Sit in a comfortable position with your spine straight and your shoulders relaxed.
2. Close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose, counting to four.
3. Hold your breath for a count of four.
4. Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of four.
5. Repeat for several rounds, allowing your breath to become deeper and slower with each cycle.

This practice helps to calm the body’s stress response, bringing more focus and peace into the present moment. 

Rituals and Ceremonies: Honoring Your Journey

Indigenous cultures often use rituals and ceremonies to mark significant moments in life, from birth and marriage to times of hardship and healing. 

These rituals serve to honor the individual’s journey and connect them with the spiritual world.

Creating your own personal rituals can be incredibly healing, especially when navigating difficult emotions. Rituals help create a sense of order and meaning, offering comfort and direction when life feels chaotic.

Creating Your Own Healing Ritual:

1. Set an intention: Decide what you need most—peace, healing, strength.
2. Choose your space: This can be a quiet room, an outdoor space, or even your car.
3. Gather meaningful items: This could be a favorite crystal, a photo of a loved one, or a piece of nature like a leaf or stone.
4. Create a soothing atmosphere: Light a candle, burn sage, or play soft music if it helps you feel more grounded.
5. Set a time each day: Make this ritual a daily or weekly practice. The consistency creates a sense of comfort and safety.

Rituals can be as simple or elaborate as you need. What matters is that they create space for reflection, healing, and self-compassion.

The Role of Nature in Healing

For many Indigenous peoples, nature plays an essential role in healing. 

The earth, trees, animals, and even the weather are seen as guides and protectors. Spending time in nature is a powerful way to reduce anxiety and depression. 

Nature provides both calm and perspective, helping you feel part of something vast and beautiful.

How to Use Nature in Your Healing:

• Spend time outside regularly: Whether it’s a walk in the park, a hike in the woods, or just sitting outside, nature has a calming effect on the mind.
• Observe with intention: Pay attention to the sounds of birds, the rustle of the leaves, or the feel of the wind. Nature is full of healing messages.
• Practice mindfulness in nature: As you walk or sit, focus on the present moment. Feel the ground beneath your feet, breathe in the fresh air, and simply be.

Nature’s healing properties remind us that we’re not alone—we’re connected to everything around us. 

This deep sense of connection can ease feelings of isolation and help alleviate emotional burdens.

The Power of Community and Support

Another key component of indigenous healing practices is community. Indigenous cultures emphasize the importance of connection—not just with the land and spirit, but with others. 

Community support can be a powerful antidote to the feelings of isolation that often accompany anxiety and depression.

How to Build Your Supportive Community:

• Seek out like-minded individuals: Whether it’s through spiritual circles, online communities, or local groups, find people who understand and support your healing journey.
• Participate in group healing practices: Many Indigenous communities use group ceremonies, dances, or collective healing rituals to support one another. Joining such practices can provide a sense of belonging and shared healing.
• Share openly: Sometimes, the act of sharing your struggles with others can lift the weight off your shoulders. Vulnerability breeds connection and support.

Incorporating Indigenous Healing Practices into Your Life

Integrating indigenous healing practices into your daily routine doesn’t require major life changes. 

It’s about making space for peace, grounding, and self-compassion in simple, small ways. From grounding exercises to breathwork and rituals, there are many tools at your disposal to help manage anxiety and depression.

Remember, these practices are not about quick fixes—they’re about cultivating resilience and finding balance within yourself. The healing process is ongoing, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time.

If you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed, start small. Ground yourself. Breathe. Connect with nature. 

And honor your journey, knowing that you are always supported by the earth and the wisdom of those who have walked this path before you.

Looking for further guidance? Reach out to Blossom Counseling Services here.