Anxiety is a common reaction or feeling which includes fear, worry and apprehension. Anxiety often arises due to worrying for a loved one, tensions before examinations or fears of the unknown. Problem anxiety is the one that interferes with the natural functions of the body. If anxiety interferes with performance, sleep or health it requires diagnosis and treatment. Anxiety is also often described as an outcome of stress. Anxiety can push you to strive positively or pull down your performance ability. Anxiety becomes a disabling disorder when it negatively impacts the ability of a person to deal with actions and emotions. Mild anxiety can be unsettling in nature while severe anxiety can have a serious impact on daily life. Anxiety disorders include: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Panic disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD) and Social phobia.
Dealing with anxiety and depression
The common physical symptoms associated with anxiety are: trembling, restlessness, irritability, difficulty in sleeping, sweating, palpitations, numbness, difficulty to concentrate, headache, diarrhea and nausea. Depression is also an outcome of anxiety and needs treatment. In mild to moderate cases anxiety can be treated naturally without the help of psychotherapy, behavioral therapy or medications. This is particularly true when dealing with anxiety and depression spells that last for a short span of time.
Dealing with anxiety and panic attacks
Panic attacks driven by stress or anxiety can be a difficult experience to deal with if such attacks occur frequently. Panic attacks or panic disorder leads to dizziness, nausea, difficulty in breathing and confusion. Panic attacks can be an outcome of prolonged stress or frightening experiences. They can either last for a short span of time or extend for long hours. Such attacks make the person worried about future panic attacks leading to behavioral changes. Thus when dealing with anxiety and panic attacks one should be very careful about how they treat the patient.
Dealing with anxiety at work
Work related pressures and stress can lead to anxiety. Dealing with anxiety at work is important as otherwise it could hamper and affect your working skills to a great extent. It is important to channelize the anxiety to perform better instead of caving into the pressure. Anxiety at work must be examined at close quarters to deal with handle stress better. Take time away from work or indulge in other hobbies or favored activities to avoid stress.
Home remedies for anxiety relief
Mild to moderate conditions of anxiety can be treated using some natural remedies for anxiety and depression. It is advisable to give such remedies a chance before seeking medical intervention. Some simple yet effective home remedies for anxiety that could provide enough relief are:
- Talking: Speak your heart out to somebody you trust. Verbalize your fears but do not dwell on them. Alternatively, writing your thoughts and fears is also a good way to understand your feelings.
- Meditate: Meditation is a good way to relax and de-stress. It is an ideal way to deal with anxiety
- Exercise: Moderate physical exercise keeps the body active and also reduces physical and emotional stress.
- Think Positive: Be positive and associate people and places positively. Replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts.
- Relaxation Techniques: Choose hobbies or physical activities that enrich and activate the mind and body. Reading, cycling and dancing are some ways to unwind. Indulge in any interesting activity to learn something new or enhance existing talent.
Treating anxiety and depression attacks may require time and effort. In severe cases it is advisable to seek medical intervention. Natural anxiety relief tips and treating anxiety without medication is applicable only in mild to moderate cases.
Natural anxiety relief foods
Maintaining a well balanced diet is important to achieving good health. Foods that contain vitamin B are known to treat anxiety naturally. Vitamin B containing foods are sunflowers seeds, yellow corn, tuna, salmon, chicken, mushrooms, scallops, yoghurt, bell peppers, spinach and bananas. Carbonated beverages and caffeine drinks are foods that must be avoided. Vitamin A foods such as dairy products and fruits are also known to alleviate stress. Omega-3 fatty acids or diet enriched with fish is known to reduce mood swings, depression and anxiety. Salmon, mackerel and other types of fish are rich sources of Omega-3 fatty acids and also are very good natural anxiety relief foods. Popular herbs that treat anxiety are: valerian, lemon balm, fish oil, motherwart, passion flower and St. John's wart.
Natural sleep remedies for menopause
Some simple natural remedies can help women deal with menopause. Difficulty in sleeping is a possible outcome due to hormonal changes triggered by the onset of menopause. Some effective and natural sllep remedies during this time that one could use are:
- Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation or exercise
- Regular exercise
- Avoiding intake of carbonated beverages, alcohol and caffeine drinks
- Maintain same timings to sleep, this sets the body clock.
- Sleep in comfortable environment.
- Eat your last meal before sleep at least two to three hours before going to sleep
- Aromatherapy oils such as lavender, chamomile and ylang ylang can also help induce sleep
Natural sleep remedies for pregnant women
Pregnant women may also have difficulty sleeping. Natural remedies that can help give a peaceful sleep are: taking a warm bath before sleeping, drinking a glass of warm milk with honey before sleeping, avoid eating heavy meals before sleeping, take a walk before sleeping. Avoid intake of oily, fried foods and carbonated beverages to avoid sleeping difficulties. Food rich in magnesium is also known to have a sedative effect. Such foods include: dark green leafy vegetables, almonds, wheat bran and whole grains. Avoid eating sweets, as sugar can provide a sudden burst of energy and may disrupt sleep. Music is also known to induce sleep and classical or instrumental music is good for the mother and baby. Gentle music can improve sleep quality and sleep satisfaction.
Natural sleep remedies for toddlers
Restless toddlers may also fight sleep. Physically active toddlers are likely to get tired and a big meal is good enough to put them to sleep. Some natural ways to put your toddler to sleep include:
- Maintain same sleep timings and similar tasks around the night time
- A story session and sleep after can become a routine with toddlers
- A warm water bath can provide relaxation to an active toddler and can invite sleep
answered by G M