Coping with Anxiety – Anxiety is a small word with a multitude of meanings. On one hand, it can be classified as a normal and often healthy emotion on the other, for many high levels of anxiety that include excessive nervousness, fear, apprehension, and worry may become a medical disorder leading to a mental health diagnosis.
Women Talking looks at a number of ways to help calm and reduce the onset of anxiety ranging from traditional herbal references to a daily exercise routine and healthy diet.
According to traditional Chinese medicine the primary organ of our body that is most affected by excess stress and emotions is our liver, therefore eating healthily will help to maintain a healthy liver, which in turn will have a significant impact on your overall health and wellbeing.
Eat well-balanced meals.
If you suffer from stress and anxiety, try to eat regularly and do not skip any meals. It is particularly important to Introduce raw food into your diet at they contain phytochemicals which are precious for human nutrition, helping to keep your body and overall health in good condition, as well as vital for your mind too. Phytochemicals are present in high concentration in raw foods, unfortunately, the intensities are reduced during processing and handling, so fresh is best!
Herbal remedies and supplements.
Being a firm believer in all that is natural I often turn to a holistic approach. If you are looking at herbal medication or remedies like Java Tea or Milk Thistle for liver health or Passionflower, Chamomile or Lavender for anxiety, be sure to reference substances in the knowledge you are using the highest quality ingredients for the result you are hoping to achieve.
You may notice with the increase in unhealthy lifestyle choices, there may be an increase in the need to incorporate supplements into the daily routine.
Change your environment.
Enjoy the natural beauty around us. This can be uplifting and a time of mindfulness if only for a temporary moment. You could walk down the same street or visit the same park on a regular basis, each time a unique experience when you may observe something you have not seen before.
Try to exercise daily to help you feel good and maintain your health.
Visit your local gym or swimming pool alternatively a bike ride or brisk walk would be enough to stimulate your body and help free your spirit and mind.
For the biggest benefits of exercise, try to include at least 2½ hours of moderate-intensity physical activity (e.g., brisk walking) each week, 1¼ hours of vigorous-intensity activity (such as jogging or swimming laps), or a combination of the two.
If you don’t find exercise enjoyable distract yourself with an iPod or other portable media player to download audiobooks, podcasts, or music. Many people find it’s more fun to exercise while listening to something they enjoy.
Look at your sleep routine – When stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest. Don’t fight this feeling, resting can be your body’s natural healing mechanism.
Take a time-out. Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from the problem often helps clear your head.
Maintain a positive attitude. This can be a challenging suggestion, however, try to replace negative thoughts with positive ones and this can have a completely different outlook on your day.
Lilly Light