Stress and Anxiety Help
While stress can represent different things to different people, in general, stress is the body’s way to respond to a demand or threat of any kind. We evolved to recognize danger and respond physiologically to it. It is your body’s way of protecting you. It is a response of the sympathetic nervous system, and we can chronically get stuck in this state where our bodies halt processes not immediately necessary to allow us to run away or fight an immediate danger. The processes slowed include sexual response and digestive systems. Additionally, blood vessels are constricted, blood pressure increases, and heart rate increases.
What do stress and anxiety do to us?
While short-term stress can be helpful and motivating (think flight/flight/freeze from the tiger chasing a cave man), long-term stress creates an environment in the body where it is weakened and susceptible to chronic and acute diseases. Where short-term stress can heighten our responses and save our lives, long-term stress depletes the body. Imagine constantly leaving your lights on. It is helpful when you need to see something to avoid stubbing your toe at night, but left untouched, it will cost you more in electricity and will eventually burn out the bulb.
Interestingly, in our current society, chronic stress is an epidemic. We have deadlines and commitments and demands placed on us from a myriad of sources. Most often, these are not life or death situations and yet they do not end for many of us. Learning to manage stress and support your body to allow for real relaxation is vital. Being able to return to a parasympathetic nervous system state (a relaxed state) and allowing your body to rest and repair itself is the only way to regain control of your health.
Common Physical Symptoms in Stress / Anxiety
- Headaches
- Aches & pains
- Tense muscles
- Insomnia
- Low energy
- Frequently sick
- Loss of interest in sex
- Chest pain / rapid heart rate
- Digestive disturbances
Common Emotional Symptoms in Stress / Anxiety
- Easily agitated, frustrated, moody
- Overwhelmed
- Out of control or loss of control
- Low self-esteem
- Lonely
- Worthless
- Depressed
- Avoiding others
- Cannot relax
- Overactive thoughts
Natural Ideas
Foods
- Apricots
- Asparagus
- Avocado
- Broccoli
- Brewer’s Yeast
- Figs
- Fish
- Garlic
- Leafy Greens
- Spirulina
- Cayenne Pepper
- 2+ tbsp Healthy Fats daily (organic butter, coconut oil, olive oil, etc)
- AVOIDS: canned food and drinks, corn, dairy, food additives, MSG, junk foods, processed foods, soy, canola oil, trans fats, tap water, wheat, caffeine, alcohol, sugar substitutes, tobacco
Helpful Nutrients
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Selenium
- B-Complex
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Zinc
Natural Therapies
- Craniosacral Therapy
- Reflexology
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic Care
- Rolfing
- Energy Work
- Light Healing Touch
- Reiki
- Magnets & Polarity Therapy
- Meridian Tracing
- Color Therapy
- Emotional Release
- Meditation and Visualization
Other Help
- The way we feel is always a choice. Understanding this and working towards taking back control can be very helpful.
- Lifestyle additions: exercise, 4-square breathing (breath in for a count of 4, hold for a count of 4, exhale for a count of 4, hold for a count of 4 and repeat), social support, meditation
- Essential oils: lavender, orange, ylang ylang, fir, frankincense, spruce
- Cell salts: Calc Phos, Ferr Phos, Kali Mur, Kali Phos, Nat Phos, Silica
There are a plethora of options available to help you better manage stresses in your life. You are not alone. There is help. Your naturopath can help to truly tailor a program based on your individual needs and nutritional deficiencies.
Please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment if you need further assistance.
Also, let me know if you have any requests for natural suggestions for other conditions!
NOTE:
Everything here is for information only. This is not meant to treat or diagnose any medical condition. Seek a qualified medical professional.