What are some techniques to help with my anxiety in places with multiple people or lots of stimuli?

I think it's wonderful that you are able to identify the need to ground yourself. That in itself is something to be celebrated. It sounds as though you are more self aware, don't like the way your body is responding to stimuli, and you would like to figure out a way to invoke change.

If you're comfortable doing so, I'd love more detail on the spiritual awakening you referenced above and how it's impacted you in the last year.

Here are a few go to techniques that may be helpful the next time you're in a crowd and feeling overwhelmed: breath work- focus on your breathing and count to four inhaling deeply through your nose, holding in your chest for a seven count and slowly exhaling through your mouth to an eight count. Repeat approximately 5 times.

I also recommend utilizing pressure points to activate the vagus nerve: take the bottom palm of your hand (opposite hand to eyebrow) and place it firmly on your eyebrow, applying steady and firm pressure move your hand from your eyebrow to the top of your ear, down the side of your neck, to the top of your shoulder, over and down the top of your arm until you reach the end of your finger tips. Repeat with the opposite hand over the opposite eyebrow. I realize this may sound complicated and involved in text however only takes a few seconds.

Music! Pop in some headphones/ your AirPods whatever and listen to a song that invokes feelings of joy, your favorite podcast, or an audiobook.

Lastly, I'd like to encourage you to create and repeat a short mantra to help when feeling overwhelmed. It could be something as simple as your intention, reminding yourself that you're safe and stating that you are calm (even if I'm the moment you do not feel calm, safe, etc.)

Example: I am Jane Doe. 

                I am on my way to the store.

                I am safe and secure.

(It can be as long or as short as you'd like and can be practiced when you are in a calmer state so that you can utilize it when overwhelmed.) 

All the best to you, 

Kristin