One of the most common things I hear in my wellness practice is this: they are feeling very anxious and stressed. Can you relate to this? I dealt with my own anxiety for years and have compiled some ideas that have really worked. Aside from my daily practice of Reiki self-treating and my daily energy medicine routine, these are a few ways I have found to greatly reduce anxiety.
Here are 12 wonderful ways to help you now:
- Take a relaxing bath before you go to bed. A warm bath (not too hot) is a great way to ease an overworked mind and tired body. Light a few candles, put on some soft music and unwind. Place some essential oils, such as lavender in the water to soothe and relax. Add some Epsom salts too; the magnesium relaxes the muscles in your body.
- Take a walk outside in nature. Studies have shown it helps to reduce the stress hormone cortisol, and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous systems associated with a relaxed state. It can help to decrease blood pressure and heart rate. I also like to think of walking in the forest as a moving meditation.
- Practice deep belly breathing. When we breathe while stressed we tend to use the upper lungs, which can stimulate the fight or flight response, therefore causing us to feel even more anxious. Breathing deeply into the lungs tells the body we are safe. Notice if your chest or your belly rises on an in-breath. Ideally the belly rises and falls with each breath. (Learn more about the benefits of deep breathing in my previous blog post.)
- Drink a little Valerian tea. It is known to be mildly sedative. It is naturally bitter, so you will need a little honey.
- If you have an animal companion in your midst, spend more time with them. A cat’s purring has been said to help regulate our heartbeats. Stroking their fur is wonderfully relaxing. If you don’t have one, think about fostering or volunteering at a local animal shelter.
- Try using pure essential oils such as ylang ylang, lavender, and chamomile. These all to help soothe frayed nerves.
- Music affects the emotions. Listen to happy or relaxing music – music that helps you feel the way you want to feel.
- Refrain from using any electronic devices or watching TV for at least one hour before you go to bed. It over stimulates the nervous system.
- Practice being present. Worrying about the future and ruminating about the past may be adding to the angst. Each day might feel like you are going through the motions, instead of actually being in it.
- Your food and supplement intake greatly affect your moods – it is important to have the support of a homeopath, naturopath or registered holistic nutritionist etc. to help you determine what is best for your specific situation.
- Learn how to meditate, learn Reiki for self-care, or take an Energy Medicine workshop with me!
- And finally, making love with your partner can help release tension and help stimulate the production of endorphins in the body. Why not try this and enhance your relationship at the same time!
I wish you an abundant 2017 filled with much love, passion and adventure. As always I am here to support you in this life journey – and welcome your feedback.