Is Anxiety Getting the Better of You?
Is Anxiety Getting the Better of You?
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 anxiety.
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 behaviors;
- feeling generally tense and wound up;
- a short fuse with a few shorts steps to overwhelm.
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; improving your emotional resilience:
Passion flower – decreases that sense of ‘restlessness’ and can help settle nervous stomachs. It increases the calming neurotransmitters (brain chemicals), such as GABA; soothing a racing mind, decreasing tension and irritability.
Zizyphus – widely used in Chinese herbal formulas for its anxiolytic (anxiety reducing) properties; zizyphus is considered cooling, calming and another herb that’s effective for restlessness.
Siberian milkwort – a calming herb that is often included in formulas for sensitive people who find themselves feeling teary and weepy when they are stressed or anxious.
Bupleurum – useful for those experiencing stress and unrest due to excessive nervous energy.
An individualised herbal formula forms the foundation of the Stress Less Program that is available from your Practitioner. The best way to find out what herbs are most suitable for you is to book an appointment to assess how you are feeling.
Nutritional medicine is also valuable to help manage anxiety. My top tips are B vitamins and magnesium supplementation. There are many different types of these nutrients, your health practitioner will recommend the right formula for your needs.
Daily Strategies to Support Yourself
Incorporate as many of the following resilience-building strategies as you can each day. These tips will lead to better overall well being as well as helping you to manage stress and anxiety:
- Connect with friends – keeping in touch with people maintains your support network;
- Exercise (ideally outdoors) – regular exercise has been shown to improve mood and reduce feelings of stress;
- Choose healthy foods – consume protein at each meal and avoid refined and sugary foods. This can help balance your blood sugar levels, reducing mood imbalances and lessening anxiety;
- Avoid caffeine – stimulants such as caffeine can exacerbate anxiety;
- 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 instill calm.
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.
Do you need help?
Cindi Young is a leading Gold Coast Naturopath in Australia. With a special interest in mood disorders, endocrine function; thyroid, adrenal and hormonal balance and its impact on weight management.
Cindi Young is available for naturopath consultations at The Cycle of Life in Robina, Gold Coast and at The Centre for Mind Body Wellness in Mullumbimby NSW. She is available for online consultations Australia wide.