Is It Normal to Feel Anxiety?

By: Deanna Snyder, RN Friday December 13, 2019 comments Tags: #Anxiety, #Stress, #BeWellEssentials, #DeannaSnyder, #dōTERRA.

 

 

Anxiety is a perfectly normal response to stressors, like being caught in up a dangerous situation, taking a test, or having to make an important decision, but when anxiety becomes a constant response or a response to inappropriate situations, it becomes problematic. 

 

Anxiety affects many people throughout their lives. For some, it is merely situational, but for others, anxiety is constant and can lead to disorders. These include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and social anxiety disorder.

 

Some causes of anxiety include:

• stress
• trauma
• thyroid disorders
• dysfunctional serotonin
• excessive alcohol consumption
• caffeine and sugar intake
• hormonal imbalance

 

Physical and psychological symptoms of anxiety include:

• muscle tension
• chest tightness
• heart palpitations
• high blood pressure
• insomnia
• digestive problems
• panic attacks
• irritability
• difficulty concentrating
• restlessness
• sweating
• anxiousness
• inability to socialize

 

Psychotropic drugs and cognitive behavioral therapy are the conventional methods for anxiety treatment, and with an estimated one-third of the population suffering from anxiety, it is no doubt that the number of medications is equally high.

 

However, there are many natural remedies for anxiety out there that have been proven effective without adverse side effects. These include several changes to diet and lifestyle.

 

Here are some natural, proactive lifestyle changes that can help to reduce the symptoms of anxiety:

 

Avoid Sugary and Processed Foods
Consuming foods with a high glycemic index, like processed and fast foods, can contribute to anxiety and depression. Additionally, sugar and refined carbohydrates can cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate wildly, increasing anxiety, nervousness and fatigue. 

 

Alcohol and Caffeine
Alcohol and caffeine can both enhance anxiety symptoms by causing tension, moodiness, and jitters. Reduce anxiety by avoiding alcohol completely, or by limiting your intake to 1–3 drinks per week, with no more than two at a time. Limit coffee or black tea to no more than one cup per day.

 

Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, a powerful herb, is often used as a natural remedy for anxiety, as it helps to stabilize the body's response to stress. Ashwagandha improves focus, reduces fatigue, and helps to fight anxiety without the attending side effects of anti-anxiety medications. 

 

Kava Root
Kava root is used to treat anxiety by stimulating dopamine receptors in the brain, which induces euphoria and a sense of wellbeing. It is a great alternative to anti-anxiety medications because it is non-addictive and non-hypnotic but still increases positive mood and relaxation. Kava should be taken under the guidance of a health care provider, as it has been known to interact with certain medications. 

 

Magnesium 
Because magnesium is a common deficiency in adults, you should consider supplementing as it is great for relaxing muscles and the nervous system.

 

Essential Oils
doTERRA's Lavender essential oil is often considered a must-have oil to keep on hand at all times due to its versatile uses, including calming and relaxing properties that promote peaceful sleep and eases feelings of tension. For more information, click here!

 

doTERRA's new Calming Blend essential oil and softgels is a toolbox to help the body and mind stay balanced during life's stressful moments.  For more information, click here!

 

Physical Activity
Physical activity helps to reduce stress, improve sleep, reduce inflammation, increase energy, and boost confidence. It takes around half an hour of sustained exercise to see the effects on anxiety levels.

 

"Calm mind brings inner strength and self-confidence, so that's very important for good health." -Dali Lama

 

Until the next time,

 

🌿Be Well, de😊 

 

☮️ Peace. 💚 Love. 💦Oils. 

#DeannaSnyder

#BeWellEssentials