Anxiety support Anglesea
In our modern and overstimulated world Anxiety is becoming an all too common part of life. A busy, racing mind, tightness in the chest, flutters in the heart and stomach, palpitations, sweaty hands, insomnia and digestive disorders are all signs of anxiety.
From a TCM perspective anxiety is a whole body-mind issue. Furthermore, it is a sign of a nervous system that is simply overstimulated and cannot self-regulate.
Anxiety-like all emotions, serves a purpose. It alerts us to threats, dangers, unmet needs. If you’re living in a world of technological stimulation, with lack of connection to community or nature, dietary and sleep needs not being met, then anxiety is a flag that your body needs support.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of unease, discomfort or worry. It’s a sensation of fear or nervousness that is a normal and natural human response to threats, danger, or stress. Anxiety involves having an elevated nervous system response and can manifest in a number of ways for people.
One thing that’s become increasingly common in practice over the last five years is how many clients are struggling with anxiety and mental health. One thing I’m passionate about is helping clients normalise their experience. For a start-it’s ok to feel anxious. It’s a normal response. It’s also a sign you just need some support-for some clients that’s therapy and medication, and for some it may be a matter of changing lifestyle and daily habits.
The way to process anxiety is by having the safety and support to be comfortable with the physical feeling of anxiety in the body. With mindfulness and presence of fear, the body can begin to process it.
What causes Anxiety?
Technology. Overwork. Relationship difficulty. Job stress. Emotional suppression. Being more disconnected from our body. Any kind of stress that overloads the nervous system can over time develop into anxiety.
What can you do to help relieve Anxiety?
Reduce your stress: Where and if possible reduce the stress in your life. Stress is a healthy part of life-it drives challenge, growth and expansion. But you have to have the capacity to face it. If you’re burnt out, stressed, and anxious slow down your life and remove unnecessary stress.
Reduce your caffeine intake: Yes that means coffee. It’s a stimulant. It speeds up your already hyperactive system. If your system is overstimulated you don’t need more stimulation. What you need is rest, exercise, fresh air, good food. Take a month off caffeine and you will feel a shift.
Boundaries with technology: phones, laptops, ipads are all great tools but so many apps and social media are wired to play on our nervous system response. Sets timers for how long you use the phone or try a minimalist phone app. Also set a screen off curfew at night-ideally two hours before bed.
Get support: Counselling and therapy offers great support for anxiety. Try and work with a therapist who has a somatic approach-encouraging you to connect with what you’re feeling in the body.
Exercise: gym, yoga, qi gong, walking, surfing, swimming. It doesn’t matter what it is. Just move and be mindful while you move. This is a type of concentration meditation that helps quiet and calm the mind.
Meditation: If you’re in the midst of panic attacks and severe anxiety I’d recommend starting with therapy and exercise. But for long term stress meditation is fantastic for help bringing clarity and calm to your body and mind. I love educating clients with simple mindfulness techniques as part of their treatment plan and seeing them reap the benefits after as little as a few weeks of practice.
Disclaimer: Peter Haxell Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine is not a medical advice service. Nothing on this site should be considered as medical advice. Peter provides health information & education resources for you to consult with your medical doctor on.
