The Anxiety Monster
Feeling occasionally anxious is a normal response to modern life. However, for some people their anxiety is like a little monster living inside, who stirs up uncomfortable feelings when faced with simple everyday situations. If you or someone you know avoids social gatherings, work meetings or confrontations, due to anxiety, then don’t ignore these feelings. It’s time to get some help to tackle the anxiety monster.
Symptoms Can Be Physical AND Emotional
Symptoms of anxiety can be very unsettling. Your heart rate increases, your mind races and you can no longer think straight. Though everyone experiences anxiety a bit differently, there are some more common symptoms to look out for.
Physical sensations:
- racing heart;
- hot flushes, sweating and skin clamminess;
- rapid breathing; and/or
- frequent gastrointestinal upsets.
Emotional sensations:
- feelings of excess worry, panic, fear or guilt;
- obsessive thinking and behaviours; and/or
- feeling generally tense and wound up.
If you can relate to any of the above, speak with your healthcare Practitioner today – this doesn’t have to be your everyday ‘normal’.
Breaking the Cycle
Herbal medicine can be used to help reduce anxiety and nervousness, as well as improving your emotional resilience.
Certain herbs have been shown to decreases that sense of ‘restlessness’ and help settle nervous stomachs. They support the calming neurotransmitters (brain chemicals), such as GABA; soothing a racing mind, decreasing tension and irritability.
Other herbs widely used in Chinese herbal formulas have anxiolytic (anxiety reducing) properties; and are considered cooling, calming while being highly effective for restlessness.
Other herbs may be useful for those experiencing stress and unrest due to excessive nervous energy.
As well as herbal medicine, there are certain nutrients and energetic remedies that may assist in calming restlessness, reducing tension and helping you deal more effectively with stress.
Daily Strategies to Support Yourself
The best things in life are free – well almost! Incorporate as many of the following resilience-building strategies as you can each day. These tips will lead to better overall wellbeing as well as helping you to manage stress and anxiety:
- Connect with friends – keeping in touch with supportive people maintains your support network;
- Exercise (ideally outdoors) – regular exercise has been shown to improve mood and reduce feelings of stress;
- Choose healthy foods – eating fresh whole foods, organic whenever possible; consume quality protein (organic, free range, hormone and antibiotic-free meats, chicken, eggs and fish]; avoid refined, processed and sugary foods. This can help balance your blood sugar levels, reducing mood imbalances and lessening anxiety;
- Avoid stimulants – stimulants such as caffeine, energy drinks and alcohol can exacerbate anxiety; and
- Breathe! – if you start to feel panicky or anxious, focus on taking some slow, purposeful, deep breaths, helping you return to a state of calm. Meditation can also help to quieten your mind and instil calm;
- Sleep – ensure a good night’s sleep; a comfortable, supportive mattress, fresh air, quiet and darkness all promote restful sleep;
- Last but not least, ensure good hydration. Make sure you drink at least 2 litres of purified water daily as dehydration can also manifest as anxiety.
Conquering the Monster
Everyone experiences fears and worries from time to time, however if anxiety becomes excessive and stops you from enjoying everyday life, then it’s time to conquer the monster. Speak to your True Medicine Practitioner about how to feel calmer, more positive and in control of your situation.
Call True Medicine on 07 5530 1863 for an appointment.