Archives for October 2014

There is no denying that anxiety is a widespread problem, but does that mean those suffering should consume endless amounts of medications for a few moments of relief? Using pharmaceuticals to calm the nerves is like raising the white flag of defeat. If you want to fight back, take control of your body and mind with these natural treatments.

Passionflower
In extract form, passionflower is highly potent for soothing the nerves. Use it as needed for your anxiety-based headaches, muscle pain, nervousness, mood swings and insomnia.

Chamomile
This herbal sedative is one of the best natural remedies for anxiety. While it may not control severe cases, chamomile can decrease tension in the mind and body.

Kava
The root of the kava plant is often used in medicine, and it’s well-known for treating the mental aspects of anxiety. If your brain is constantly on fast-forward, this may be the best option.

L-theanine
This amino acid makes it easier to manage the emotional rollercoaster you may experience day to day, and it’s helpful in controlling all versions of anxiety.

Exercise
The right exercise techniques can curb the effects of anxiety. Moving your body is like turning on every healthy switch in your system. Exercise provides immediate relief as well as long-term benefits.

Breathing
It may sound preposterous, but purposefully performing your most basic function may soothe your angst. Methodical breathing can thwart an anxiety attack, and daily deep-breathing exercises will encourage continued relaxation.

Meditation
Most people know the advantages meditation provides, but certain techniques are better than others for treating anxiety. If you want to stamp out your worries, begin by focusing on what’s actually occurring in the moment rather than projecting yourself into an unclear future.

In many cases, popping pills is not only unnecessary, it’s unsafe. These natural options can be just as effective as medication for quieting those deafening inner voices. The advantage is that you will likely experience fewer side effects, you’ll retain a clear mind and you won’t have to worry about addiction.

No matter what type of anxiety you suffer from, you may benefit from thinking outside the box. If you have concerns about using these or other natural remedies for anxiety, contact one of our experts. We can help you decide when and how to go natural so that you can free yourself from the demons inside.

Stress, anxiety and emotional upset are like speed bumps on the road of your life. They can cause significant damage if you don’t keep them under control. Managing daily stresses involves taking charge. In order to learn how to control anxiety and other types of mental distress, you need to act rather than react. There are numerous actions you can take to minimize your anxieties.

Get Physical in Emotional Chaos
Whenever you feel upset, worried or anxious, your entire body suffers. This is due to the strong link between body and mind. Because there is such a connection, physical activity can calm your nerves. Regular exercise releases chemicals that enhance mood. Nearly any type of gentle activity will rejuvenate your mind, but it’s best to choose pursuits that you’ll enjoy.

You don’t have to run five miles or spend hours in a gym to take a break from the demons in your head. Just getting your body moving is a distraction from your reflection. Something as simple as running errands or taking a walk through the park will shift your focus. Even a short yoga session can soothe your nerves and refresh your mind as well as your body.

Put the Negatives in a Timeout
Anxieties and mental stresses wreak havoc on the psyche, but they can be suppressed long enough for you to put things into perspective. One of the best ways to do so is through meditation. This may involve sitting in silence and creating a blackness in your mind, using visualization techniques, repeating self-supportive mantras or focusing your concentration on an object such as a candle flame.

You can send your negative thoughts to the timeout chair in other ways as well. Connecting with the people you love, listening to relaxing music or reading your favorite book may give you the brief break you need. Concentrating on the moment rather than the what-ifs is also helpful. Instead of panicking over the pressure of the days to come, work on only getting through the next minute.

Practice Instant Gratification
Psychological turmoil is the body’s way of throwing a tantrum, and putting an end to the fit often requires immediate action. Deep breathing is an effective way to relax the muscles and nerves, and it triggers an instant positive reaction. You can also use your senses to prompt quick relief from anxiety. This may entail gazing at the clouds, lighting incense or draping a soft blanket around your body.

No matter how you choose to calm yourself during moments of distress, you should know when to seek specialized help. If your symptoms worsen or don’t subside, it may be time to get medical attention. You can visit our homepage or contact us directly to learn how to control anxiety with or without professional assistance.

Anxiety is a common problem for people of all ages and backgrounds, but the causes behind this condition vary from person to person. More and more health care workers are researching what causes anxiety so that better treatment plans can be executed. Although mental imbalances are often to blame, there are certain physical issues that can produce high levels of emotional uneasiness.

Nutritional Deficiencies
One of the most widespread *triggers of anxiety* is poor nutrition. A vitamin deficiency or problems with vitamin absorption can generate anxiety and panic. Sensitivity to food, a sugar imbalance and even digestive complications are common causes as well. If your anxiety symptoms occur shortly after you eat, adjusting your diet with the help of a physician may keep the emotions under control.

Environmental or Chemical Toxicity
Your mental unrest may be caused by contaminants in your system. Mold and other allergens can create significant emotional instability. Mercury poisoning and chemical pollutants such as insecticides have also been linked to panic and anxiety disorders. Consider whether or not you’ve been exposed to such toxins so that you can undergo the proper testing and avoid contact with the culprit.

Drugs and Medications
There is a wide range of medicines, over-the-counter and prescribed, that can create long-lasting anxiety. Alcohol, illegal drugs and certain stimulants may also result in emotional distress that mimics anxiety disorders. The process for determining which drug or medication may be causing your anxiety can be overwhelming, but taking a systematic approach with a health care provider will simplify things.

Hormonal Imbalances
Hormones are like coaches leading the different processes in your body to victory. When there is a disruption of the hormones, your system suffers multiple losses, which frequently includes the loss of emotional control. Issues with cortisol, estrogen and thyroid hormone production can affect your mental health in substantial ways. If a hormonal imbalance is causing your anxiety, you can take medications to even out the levels and ultimately calm your mind.

Infections
Viral and bacterial infections can do more than rage a physical war in your body; they can assault your emotions without your knowledge. Strep infections, brain inflammation and even the flu often cause psychological turmoil. Although the resulting anxiety may not be preventable, you can take measures to ensure your symptoms don’t spiral out of control. Treating the physical issue immediately may help you avoid extreme mental chaos.

These physical causes of anxiety are often overlooked, which can lead to improper treatment. Instead of simply using medication to treat the symptoms, it’s more beneficial to find out what causes anxiety in the first place. If anxiety has become an unwelcome guest in your life, you may have more options than you realize. Contact one of our experts to determine which steps you should take regarding treatment.