‘A poor life this is if full of care, we have no time to stand and stare’! This line from William Henry Davies’s work resonates with so many of us snarled in the fast paced hectic life that is the world today.
Money, health, family, career take your pick from the endless list of things that can worry you. It’s no small wonder that then often our heart starts racing, our breathing turns shallow and our mind pre-empts disaster. In short, we have an anxiety attack.
So how do we deal with these stress moments? There are several non drug remedies, ranging from meditation to herbal teas that can help relax the body till the unease surrounding anxiety passes. We list some here.
Herbs
Several herbs including Passion Flower, Green tea, Kava Kava, Chamomile and Valerian are known to be quite effective in quelling anxiety attacks. If you are having one such moment of panic, sip of a cup of tea made from one of these to feel better. Chamomile is said to have the same effect on the brain as Valium, while the amino acid in green tea is said to help relax the mind. The root of Valerian is touted for its sedative, calming properties and aids in the treatment of anxiety-induced insomnia. Kava Kava is reputed for treating stress and angst. It elevates the mood and de-stresses the mind and is extremely effectual when taken as an infusion. Finally, there is Passion Flower that not only controls anxiety but keeps nausea in check and aids in crushing the feeling of having butterflies in the stomach.
Exercise
Studies prove exercise releases endorphins that reduce stress. One of the biggest causes of disquiet is deteriorating health, so kill two birds with one stone by working out. Exercise has undeniable health benefits, is good for the brain, and a powerful antidote to depression and anxiety. Not to mention it raises your self esteem by getting you back in shape.
While treating anxiety with exercise, there exists a twenty-one minutes rule. Apparently it takes 21 minutes for a workout to reliably reduce anxiety. Most doctors recommend engaging in a physical activity that gets the heart rate pumping and makes you feel calmer.
If your work schedule doesn’t allow adherence to an exercise regimen try meditation, deep breathing and yoga to alleviate tensions, focus and re-center. Find the one the works best for you and your schedule. Believe us when we tell you deep breathing exercises can make a world of difference.
Grab a bit
You might be surprised to know that most people who are having an anxiety attack are generally suffering from hunger pangs. When we get one of these fits, it generally means our blood sugar has dropped, so grabbing a quick bite in the form of tea, chocolate, handful of nuts can work wonders.
A long term solution to subdue anxiety is a proper diet. Don’t skip breakfast as it has a terrible effect on the body. Eat a whole-foods, plant-based diet with carefully selected meat and seafood, plenty of leafy greens (such as kale) and Omega 3’s.
Stop catastrophizing
Finally, if in panic, don’t let your mind roll towards catastrophic thoughts. Don’t create permutations and combinations in your head about the worse things that can happen to you. Remember very few events really change the trajectory of your life, so stay positive.
