60-Second Anxiety Reducing Exercise
Dear Friend,
During my wellness presentations to companies, schools and organizations, I’ve been sharing that I, and my children, struggle with anxiety at times. To be honest, all of my clients, patients, and friends, when we get real, reveal that they too, or someone they love, struggles with anxiety as well. Because I share this personal information during my events, the responses have been surprising, and encouraging. One woman wrote:
“Peter, thank you for sharing yours, and your childrens’ challenges. I admire the honesty and it makes me feel better that I am not alone and not a bad parent.”
One reason I reveal my own challenges is because I have seen many of the people I know suffering without any encouraging assistance from the government or people in power. In fact, during the past 3 years, not once have I heard an elected representative, health department official, not even the surgeon general of the United States, encourage us to take care of ourselves and our children by eating healthier, moving more, practicing yoga, praying, meditating, working with a therapist, addressing stress, staying connected to those we love, etc, all proven immunity boosters and stress reducers. So I feel compelled to share with you, authentically, what has helped me and those I love, as well as my clients and audience members not just survive but thrive during these challenging times.
One of those strategies is the Vagus Nerve Exercise. Frank, my therapist referred me to it through Stanley Rosenberg's book, Accessing The Healing Power Of The Vagus Nerve, drawn from Stephen Porges' Polyvagal Theory work.
This simple exercise will take just a few minutes to do and I have witnessed instant, remarkable improvement regarding my own anxiety, my children’s, my clients, patients, and even audience members.
Demonstrating the Vagus Nerve Exercise with audience member, Marcia, at the Episcopal Deacon’s Conference. When I asked how she felt afterwards, she said, “Relaxxxxeeeeddddd"“ :-)
Try the exercise below and let me know how you do. As always check with your health professional before starting any health program, but please make sure your health professional is practicing good health themselves.
If you or someone you love is struggling with anxiety, here are some strategies to help:
Find a good therapist
Surround yourself with like-minded people
Be gentle with yourself. These are difficult times we are living through.
Work with a coach. I would love to help you and your family through my Life/Health Coaching Services
Want To Inspire yourself, and Your People?
Then let's do something amazing together and offer your people/group/employees this life-enhancing in-person/virtual event.
Look & Feel Great, Stress Less, Sleep More
5 Life-Changing Stress/Anxiety, Motivational, Nutritional/Cooking, Exercise, & Pain Strategies
Stress/Anxiety Reduction
Do you know the difference between stress & anxiety, why you wake up panicky, how to sleep better, and how trauma can keep us stuck. Learn the life-changing, powerful strategies and resources that will help you live a meaningful, fulfilling life.
Motivation
Do you start a new diet or exercise program, do great, then fall off the wagon? It’s ok, there’s nothing wrong with you. Over 95% of people who start a diet or exercise program end up stopping. Why? You’ll learn how you can get and stay motivated with simple strategies that will make being healthy easier and more enjoyable.
Nutrition
Not sure what, how to eat, or what to cook? You’re not alone. Many people are confused by the mixed messages they receive. You’ll learn what the healthiest people eat and cook to look & feel good while preventing disease. You’ll be surprised at how simple it is.
Exercise
Should you join the gym, get a personal trainer, or try the latest fitness fad? Get these answers and more, including what you can do right now to look and feel better. You’ll learn the best exercises that can be done in minutes a day with great results.
Pain/Disease Prevention
Can’t exercise because of back pain, or have hip and knee problems? Worried you’ll get diseases that run in your family? Learn what you can do now to heal physical and emotional pain, prevent disease, and live an active, engaging life.
Testimonials
“When we decided to focus on staff wellness and healthy living for our professional development, bringing in Peter Kofitsas was an easy decision! Peter did a great job engaging the staff. His dynamic, informative presentation left people thinking about their daily habits and talking about ways to improve their health. A number of staff members have remained in contact with Peter and one of our English teachers had him as guest speaker for her senior students. I would recommend Peter to any district that is looking to provide valuable professional development and support for their staff.”
Darren Groh, Principal, Chatham High School, NJ
"We were so pleased to partner with Peter Kofitsas as part of our staff wellness program. Peter was entertaining and engaged the members of our team, as he led us through preparation of a delicious and healthy meal. He is extremely knowledgeable and provided information in such a fun way for the whole team. We thoroughly enjoyed Peter's cooking demonstration, and highly recommend his services as a great team building activity that prioritizes the wellbeing of participants."
Susan O'Donnell, Chief Executive Officer, Head Start Community Program of Morris County
Speaking highlight Reel
About Peter Kofitsas MS, PT
PROFESSIONAL
Peter Kofitsas MS, PT is a Speaker, Author, International Life & Health Coach, Culinary Nutritionist, Physical Therapist, Food/Restaurant Consultant, and former Scholarship Football Athlete. He’s also been called, “The Missing Link” in employee wellbeing. As an expert for the media, he has appeared on ABC, FOX, MSN, TLC, and in Fitness magazine. He’s the author of 3 books, including, Shop, Cook, Eat. He’s also the creator of the 5 Minutes to Fitness+ Program, a revolutionary lifestyle program for achieving optimal health which has been featured on QVC and FOX. He’’s been helping companies assist their employees in being healthier and finding balance during the Covid- 19 pandemic.
CV
Nutrition Degree, Magna Cum Laude, Montclair State University
Physical Therapy degree, Master of Science, New York Medical College
College Lecturer- nutrition, exercise, physical therapy, kinesiology
Creator- 5 Minutes to Fitness+, Fit Friends’ Revolution
Author; Shop, Cook, Eat, Core Energy Program, & Live Better Journal
Food/Restaurant Consultant- Hospitality Training, Sustainable Menu Design, Recipe Development
Client List / Appearances
GE • Goldman Sachs • KPMG • Verizon • Metropolitan Museum of Art • Sony • UPS • Quest Diagnostics • Whole Foods • Louis Vuitton • Moët Hennessy • Working Mother • Kellari Group • Serafina Group • China Grill Management • Union Square Hospitality Group • The Episcopal Church • St Barnabas Health Care Systems • HDMS • Grocery Haulers • NY Staffing Assoc • Assoc of Health Care Recruiters