Do you ever feel so anxious that you think others can see your pounding heart? Surely they can see you are coming unglued and ready to jump out of your skin. Yet most of the time anxiety is not seen by others, but experienced internally either in our mind, body, or both.
While you may feel your heart beating loudly like a drum in your chest, others have trouble quieting their spinning thoughts. Anxiety can also feel like your stomach is flopping around or moving into your throat. You feel jittery without the caffeine and dizzy from breathing so fast.
Speeding your body up in an emergency is very useful, but feeling anxious when there isn’t a threat is very uncomfortable. The anxiety has no where to go and no way to get utilized.
At this point, many pe0ple turn to substances or to prescription medications. There is nothing wrong with taking prescribed anti-anxiety medication, such as Valium. These medications can give you a jump start to getting a handle on your anxiety in tough times.
Don’t let anyone or anything rob you of your self-confidence. We all have the ability to learn ways to calm ourselves, even without the help of medications.
6 Must Haves to Manage Anxiety Naturally
You probably already know what helps you relax and calm down even if it doesn’t bring complete relief on a consistent basis. Keep making mental notes of what helps you calm down. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Eat Nutritiously: Nutrition will be determined by the individual needs. For me, eating a balance of carbs, protein, fruits and veggies helps me keep my mood and energy on even ground. I know my body well, and it must have adequate protein with minimal sugar and dairy. Listen to your body and learn what makes you feel the most balanced (not numb).
2. Drink Mineral Water: Drink refreshing water that comes from natural springs. These are the places where minerals such as calcium are naturally found in the water source. Eight glasses of water a day is the recommended amount for our bodies to function at their prime. Many public speakers drink a glass of water to calm their nerves before they get on stage.
3. Get Objective Coaching: A well-trained coach can help you sort out your fears from the facts. When we act based on what ifs, we live in an inner world filled with anxiety and worry. When the coach offers a neutral perspective, it is your opportunity to see your situation in a new light. A new perspective puts jumper cables to the thinking part of your brain, allowing the emotional side to calm down.
4. Receive Massage Therapy: If you’ve never had a massage from a certified massage therapist, you must try it. Start with 30 minutes, and see how you feel. Receiving a massage will help you release tension you’ve stored in your body for months or even years. Massages can leave you feeling serene, calm, relaxed, and even euphoric.
5. Exchange Hugs: While I’m on the subject of receiving touch to relax yourself, nothing beats a hug from someone you trust and love. Being held in someone’s arms with no expectations or pressure lets you know you are not alone. The touch reminds you that you have someone present while you are going through a tough time. Feel the stress of isolation melt away.
6. Focus on Excitement: Anxiety feels similar to excitement in that you are revved up while experiencing the sensation of butterflies trapped in your body. Try shifting your focus from what you are fear to what you are excites you. Then you will keep the good feelings without all the dread. Your body will follow your thoughts. If you dread and fear less, it will take less hold on your body.
Many of these ideas are good self-care. Know what it takes to look after yourself and do it. Then add a few great relationships and mind shifts and you’ll be well on your way to telling your worry and anxiety where to go!
My free e-book includes 10 other ways to manage anxiety without medication. When you subscribe via email, you will also get two worksheets to help you apply what you learn – one worksheet includes 27 ways to manage worry naturally.
I’d love to hear what works for you to interrupt anxiety.
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Caution: “If you take (anti-anxiety) medications for longer than prescribed or at higher or more frequent doses than prescribed, you may develop a tolerance to and dependence upon them. If this occurs it can be dangerous to abruptly stop taking the medication. Gradual tapering of the dose, under the supervision of a physician, is advised.” ~ Dr. Cheryl Lane, Psychologist, PsyWeb
Photo Credit: “Relax” by Lulumon Athletica
