Worry is the mental plague of these times: the climate crisis; societal violence; financial insecurity; political divisions; the persistence of Covid; and of course, all of our own personal family stuff.....there is so much uncertainty and so much that is out of our control that it is hard not to feel anxious to one degree or another.
Anxiety is, literally, the fear of actual or imagined future threats and it can have very debilitating physical effects. We may not even know that we're feeling anxious, because it can present as a vague sense of uneasiness or dread and we may not be able to name its source. There can be alarming physical symptoms as well: a racing heart, muscular tension, profuse sweating, etc.
Fortunately, because there is a direct body-mind causal connection to the symptoms of anxiety, there is much that we can do to alleviate the symptoms and ease our worries. It is not as simple as just saying "relax, don't worry", because anxiety has its roots in the autonomic nervous system. It is an ancient, natural response to a perceived threat and it can't just be talked away. We have to find ways to calm the nervous system's exaggerated response.
Some of the most effective natural remedies are surprisingly easy:
- Exercise- Exercise isn’t just good for your physical health; it’s also beneficial for your mental health. While the connection isn’t well understood, studies do show that exercise can help to alleviate symptoms of anxiety. Getting active helps to take your mind off of the issues bothering you. It also triggers your body to release endorphins, which are natural feel-good hormones.
- Deep breathing exercises: Rapid, shallow breathing is a common symptom of anxiety. Breathing in this manner can increase your heart rate, make you feel dizzy, and may even increase the risk of a panic attack. Deep breathing involves taking deliberately deep and measured breaths to restore normal breathing patterns, which can help to reduce anxiety.
- Meditation: Meditation involves the practice of mindfulness. You focus on removing chaotic thoughts from your mind and replacing them with calm. Research indicates that meditation can help to relieve anxiety symptoms, helping you to feel more at ease.
- Aromatherapy:
Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils to improve health and
overall well-being. Many scents can help to boost your mood, help you
relax, and reduce anxiety. There
are a few ways you can use essential oils. You can use a diffuser,
place a few drops on a lava bead bracelet, or mix your favorite scent in
a carrier oil to place on your wrist or neck. Scents to use for anxiety
include: Lavender; ylang ylang; grapefruit; clary sage; bergamot.
- Herbal Remedies: Several different herbs and herbal supplements may help alleviate anxiety symptoms, helping you to relax and feel calmer. Some of the more well-known varieties include: Lavender, lemon balm, passionflower and chamomile. Studies show that chamomile can help with symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. While many of the studies on herbal supplements for anxiety are limited, the results are promising.You can find many of these (and other) supplements in capsule (pill) form. Many people also drink herbal teas to help them relax.
- CBD Oil: Several studies have shown that CBD can help with many ailments, such as pain, inflammation, insomnia and anxiety. While research is still in the early stages, studies show that it may have a lot of potential as an alternative anxiety treatment. You can find CBD products in many mainstream stores. There are many options, including:
- CBD oil tinctures (liquid drops)
- CBD gummies
- CBD chocolate and candies
- CBD topicals (creams or lotions)
* https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/natural-remedies-for-anxiety
Because anxiety is, literally, fear of the future unknown, the most important thing we can remember is to stay in the present moment. I use the following"mantra": "In this moment, all is well, thank you God".
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things".
Perfect timing: at the change of season, especially the beginning of a new school year, anxiety increases exponentially! Even when you are no longer starting a new school year! Your reminders are perfect. Thank you, as always!
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