Easing Anxiety
T
WORDS BRIGITTE MARS
PHOTOS BETHYLOVELIGHT, CHRISTINE KELLER
he word anxiety comes from the Latin
Exercise is a good way to bring more oxygen into the body.
angustia, meaning “narrowness, restriction or
Also powerful and immediate is to take five deep inhalations
difficulty.” Anxiety can be a warning of impending
from each nostril (to open neural pathways) of the anxiety-
pain or potential danger, whether real or
relieving essential oils of basil, bergamot, cedarwood,
imagined, yet making us hyper-aware and alert.
chamomile, cypress, geranium, hyssop, jasmine, juniper,
Anxiety can be described as a feeling of fear, loss, hurt,
or uneasy anticipation. This overreaction of the autonomic nervous system, where the “flight or fight” mechanism
lavender, marjoram, melissa, myrrh, neroli, orange, petigrain, rose, rosemary, sandalwood, thyme, or ylang ylang. Dress warmly in a way that protects the kidneys
is activated and exaggerated, is usually accompanied
and adrenals in the lower back region to make you feel
by a rush of adrenaline that offers an edge in dealing
empowered. Having adequate clothing for warmth, comfort,
with an adverse situation or person. There are many
or weather changes can help one feel protected and safe.
causes and variations on how anxiety can affect one.
Keep blood sugar on an even keel instead of a sugar-powered
Many utilize cannabis, whether it be indica strains or strains
roller coaster. Be wary of coffee, stimulants, asthma meds,
higher in CBD than THC to be allies in calming anxiety. Not only
decongestants, and antidepressants that can disrupt brain
is cannabis a time-tested ally for many in calming anxiety, but I
chemistry. MSG (monosodium glutamate) is considered an
will also share some other amazing methods to calm your nerves.
excitotoxin and can alter brain chemistry adversely. Drug,
Anxiety can be accompanied by clammy hands, fatigue, heart irregularities, trembling, breathing difficulties, muscle tension, nausea, muscle tension, and stomach distress. It can
alcohol abuse, and even eating allergenic foods can trigger anxiety and put your body into panic-alert-overtime. Eat nutrient-dense grounding foods such as buckwheat,
aggravate addictions, eating disorders, digestive distress,
millet, black quinoa, black rice, black sesame seeds,
and other health concerns. Anxiety can weaken the body’s
sweet potatoes, and winter squash for serenity.
protective shield, making us vulnerable to outside forces. Shallow rapid breathing leads to exhaling excess carbon dioxide, which can make one feel light-headed, oxygendeficient, dizzy, numb, tingly, sweaty, and experience chest pain. Breathe deeply and slowly and feed your brain the life force of oxygen that it thrives on and calms anxiety.
There are many herbs, including cannabis, that can help calm anxiety. Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera) relaxes smooth muscles and increases the availability of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) relaxes nerves and has analgesic and has sedative properties.
31
