The Anxiety Trap

Anxiety is the most common mental condition in Australia. On average one in four people; one in three women and one in five men will experience anxiety.  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 trap. Anxiety stimulates the growth of your amygdala in your brain thus growths more anxiety. Therefore the sooner an anxious patient implements strategies and seeks natural solutions, the better.

Symptoms can be Both 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.

Many herbs assist anxiety, such as Lavender.

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 Anxiety Cycle

Schedule outdoor time every day, free from electromagnetic fields, WiFi’s, smart meters and any source of radiation.

Herbal medicine can be used to help reduce anxiety and nervousness; improving your emotional resilience. There is an extensive range of herbs with many therapeutic qualities:

• Calming herbs that are often included in formulas for sensitive people who find themselves feeling teary and weepy when they are stressed or anxious.
• Adaptogen-useful for those experiencing stress and unrest due to excessive nervous energy.
• Neurogenesis and neurotrophic herbs and supplements  (growing brain dendritic cells)
• Axiolytic (anxiety reducing) properties;
• Decreasing 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.

Daily Strategies to Support Yourself

Outdoor exercise can help ‘rewire’ the brain.

The best things in life are free – well almost! Incorporate as many of the following resilience-building strategies as you can each day.  It may take a lot of discipline and a time to implement some advice, but the good news is you can “rewire your brain”. Brain has neuroplasticity which means that anyone can regenerate the rational part of their brain such as the hypothalamus and reduce the amygdala (the part of the brain that induces fear and anxiety).

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 people maintains your support network
• Exercise outdoors – Regular outdoor 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, sugar or alcohol will exacerbate anxiety
• Exercise (ideally outdoors) – Regular exercise in Nature has been shown to improve mood and reduce feelings of stress;
• Maintain a healthy sleep pattern
• Remove all electronic devices  from your bedroom and minimise their exposure during  the day as much as you can and its use at home/work
• 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.
• Do not blame others, this will never help to  reduce your anxiety
• Do not “create your own anxiety reality” by being passionately emotional about what you do not want in your life
• Focus on what you want in your life and be passionate and vocal about that
• Learn to  forgive
• Nurture optimistic thinking and refocus on something positive in your  life when you have an anxiety attack
• Express gratitude and appreciation for what  you have got
• Cope with adversity by refocusing on something  positive in your life
• Meditate to help to quieten your mind and instill calm.

Social interactions are great way to break the anxiety cycle.

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 our Practitioner about how the Stress Less Program can help you feel calmer, more positive and in control of your situation.

An individualised herbal formulas and strategies form the foundation of the Stress Less Program that is available from the DH Natural Medicine Clinic. Speak with us today about which  strategy is most suitable for you.

If you would like to restore your health and vitality, call us now on (02) 9541 2428 to book your free 15 minute phone consultation.

Danuta Hulajko is a holistic practitioner, international speaker and the founder & practitioner at the DH Natural Medicine Clinic and www.healingremedies.com.au in Sydney.

Danuta specialises in Allergies, Anti-Aging, Auto-Immune Conditions, Cardiovascular Conditions, Female Reproductive, Menopause, Mould Toxicity, Skin Conditions, Stress and Insomnia and Thyroid Dysfunction.

For more information please go to our website. You can also follow Danuta Hulajko’s work, events, seminars, expos, latest health research, her health tips and advice on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.