The fast life style that many of us have adopted has enabled us to keep pace with the changing times, has enabled us to move forward and face the competition. But every coin has two sides, with the other side being that this lifestyle has resulted in creation of a generation of human beings with high anxiety.
Everyone does experience ‘Anxiety’ sometimes during their lives. Under normal conditions anxiety can be related to as fear or a short duration of stress that enables people to respond properly to stimuli. However, in anxiety disorders, anxiety becomes prolonged causing unnecessary suffering to the one affected by it. Anxiety can be differentiated from normal worry by an overpowering feeling of apprehension or the anticipation of something bad that might happen or is happening. Symptoms of anxiety can range from physical(dry mouth, sweating, shaking, neck pain, chest pain), behavioral or emotional changes (irritability, anger, fear, suspicion, and feeling of impending doom) to changes in ways of thinking (difficulty concentrating, mental fatigue, memory problems) usually in response to situations of perceived threat or danger.
Better to go the Nature’s Way
Researchers have found out that adopting the natural methods of treating anxiety has proved to be more effective with least side effects. Conventional over the counter drugs that claim to effectively negate the symptoms of anxiety may in turn end up inducing other side effects such as insomnia, migraines, loss of appetite, constipation, restlessness and even strange dreams. Over dependence on these drugs also leads to sexual dysfunction, with varying degrees of effects by different drugs.
People who suffer from chronic anxiety disorders and even for those who experience just the initial symptoms of anxiety, there’s a way out – ‘the nature’s way’. This natural therapy is in agreement with our body, doesn’t damage it in any way, proving its potential in maintaining a healthy equilibrium by supporting the functions of brain, body and the nervous system. One thing that is to be kept in mind here is that anxiety is body’s internal reaction to an emotion. Correcting it with pharmaceuticals and chemicals may oblige the harmony back into people’s lives but in the long run causes severe damage to their bodies and nervous system. There are many types of natural ways that can generate ‘positive feelings’ and can reduce the levels of stress drastically, so why rely on medications only to deal with anxiety.
The following are the most effective natural methods to deal with anxiety:
Use of Flower Essences:
The method involves infusions of flower in water with brandy added as a stabilizer. Essences of certain flowers have been used for a long time like those of Cherry Plum (helps in fear disorders), Agrimony (for sleep problems), Crab Apple (treats self hatred), Mustard (treats depression). People using this technique claim that the method has given better results than their conventional medications.
Yoga:
This technique is gaining wide popularity due to the immense curative power that it carries. A half an hour Yoga session in the morning helps boost the concentration power, helps control breathing and eases negative thoughts to reduce panic attacks. In order to deal effectively with all the three symptoms of Anxiety, Yoga can prove to be an effective and useful natural method. It might initially take some days to get the required concentration for the technique to be effective, but once the mind is streamlined, the wonders of Yoga start to flow in.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT):
In CBT, the patient is put in such an environment which helps him to modify negative behavior and thought patterns. It helps deal with obsessive and compulsive behavior and has served to be of immense help for teenagers and children who find it impossible to manage their fear patterns. Most importantly, ‘Social Anxiety’ in children can be dealt in with this therapy.
Belly Breaths:
Whenever you feel that anxiety or stress is overpowering you and hampering with your normal work, then try to sit to down in a relaxing pose with your legs spaced out. In the same position, keeping your hands on your stomach breathe slowly through your nose and feel your stomach with your hands. Breathe in this manner for thirty times and in the meantime take slow and fast breaths. This exercise will surely reduce dissipate your anxiety and make you feel calmer.
Proper Sleep:
Most cases of anxiety can be traced to abnormal sleeping habits. Undertaking a normal 8-9 hours of sleep daily helps in maintaining the right concentration levels and keeps the digestive system in order. Make sure to adhere to a consistent waking and bed times.
Balanced Diet:
Without a balanced diet it would be difficult for an individual to deal with anxiety and stress related problems. A recent study has shown that a high intake of junk foods leads to an increase in anxiety disorders. Avoiding Junk foods, eating green leafy vegetables and fruits with a low intake of oily foods and a reduction in sugar and carbohydrate rich diet is suggested.
Acupuncture:
Acupuncture can prove to be an effective therapy as a anxiety-buster especially when it comes to dealing with emotional symptoms of anxiety. Acupuncture stimulates the flow of energy through specific points on the body which in turn helps diminish muscle tension and improves sleep.
Laughter Therapy:
It is usually said that laughter is the best medicine as this simple act helps relieve stress and improves flow of blood and digestion. So why not to undergo regular morning and afternoon sessions of laughter either at home or in a park with family or friends!
Use of Natural Dietary Supplements:
Most experts are now recommending dietary supplements to cure anxiety related disorders. The supplements namely Vitamin C (a herb called Camu Camu is an excellent source of this vitamin), Vitamin B1, Niacin, Glutamine & Vitamin B6 taken together, Magnesium (cures depression), Vitamin D and Essential Fatty Acids (cures depression and seasonal affective disorder) is suggested.
Identifying Stress Factors:
Keep a watch on the things which make you stressed and try counter balancing by doing those activities which keeps you engrossed. It can be anything from watching your favorite cartoon, reading an interesting book, taking out your camera to click pictures or even turning to gardening.
Drawing or Painting:
Even if you don’t know anything about painting and drawing, just try and spread the colors on paper and see the beautiful patterns that emerge out of the it. Engaging in this activity has the potential to reduce stress from your mind and body and in the end even if there’s nothing concrete on the canvass, the result would be that you would feel relieved.
Participating in Community Activities:
This activity helps one connect with ones society and in turn keeps mind away from negative feelings and thoughts. One should make it a habit of getting involved with community and social work on week ends to help reduce anxiety.
Adopting the nature’s way in relieving stress and anxiety not only has better health implications but is also an inexpensive way of getting rid of this disease with a less pressure on the pockets too! People who are already on medication, need to consult their doctor before they think of adopting the natural methods and not right away stop taking their drugs. It is suggested that the dependence be reduced in a phased manner so that the body adjusts to the new changes and benefits fully from the natures processes.
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