Can Holistic Methods Help with Anxiety?
When it comes to treating anxiety, we tend to think primarily about the symptoms and how to treat them. After all, it's hard to ignore the aggravating symptoms of anxiety. It's hard not to want to jump straight into what can alleviate them, especially when we know that there are plenty of medications, such as beta-blockers and SSRIs, that affect hormones and brain activity to relieve anxiety effectively.
These medications are considered one of two main treatment routes for treating anxiety. Allopathic treatment is focused on individual symptoms to intervene in the physiology and biochemistry of those symptoms.
On the other hand, holistic methods aim to treat the whole person - physically, emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually - rather than just attempting to soothe particular symptoms.
Allopathic vs. Holistic Treatment
You should not feel like one approach is 'better' or 'wrong' compared to the other; everyone's journey of recovery from anxiety is unique and therefore works differently for each person.
The best thing you can do is try out different routes until you find something that resonates with your experience. A holistic approach may be worth exploring as it considers your well-being from various perspectives and offers tailored strategies that could help you manage your anxiety more effectively.
Holistic Methods for Anxiety
Holistic methods are more in line with what our bodies' natural needs should be. Here are just a few of these methods that are proven to make a real difference with anxiety!
Exercise
Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting properties that also offer a distraction from anxious thoughts. A regular exercise routine can also help to calm nerves, release tension, and improve sleep quality, all of which can perpetuate vicious cycles of anxiety.
Meditation and Mindfulness
While there is some overlap between these two practices, they are each unique in their approach to managing anxiety.
Meditation is a technique that can be used to focus and calm the mind. There are many types of meditation, but the goal is always to achieve a relaxed awareness.
On the other hand, mindfulness involves paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and sensations in the present moment. It helps you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions and learn how to manage them healthily.
CBD & Herbal Supplements
CBD and herbal supplements are becoming increasingly popular as potential treatments for anxiety. CBD, or cannabidiol, is found in cannabis plants and is thought to work by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system, which regulates mood and stress response.
Herbal supplements such as ashwagandha and valerian root have stress-fighting effects that can significantly help minimize feelings of anxiousness and chronic worry. These fall into a category of plants known as adaptogens, plant-based compounds that support the body's natural stress response.
Nutritional Strategies
Nutrition is one of the most important aspects of managing anxiety holistically.
The foods we eat can profoundly affect our mood and emotional state. For example, eating inflammatory foods can increase feelings of anxiety and depression, while eating anti-inflammatory foods can help to reduce these symptoms.
Some specific nutritional strategies that may help to reduce anxiety include:
-Eating a diet rich in fresh fruits, veggies, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean protein
-Limiting or avoiding processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive caffeine
-Making sure to get enough omega-3 fatty acids through food sources or supplements
-Including probiotic-rich foods in your diet or taking a probiotic supplement
Relaxation Exercises
There are a variety of different relaxation exercises that can help reduce anxiety.
Progressive muscle relaxation involves tensing and then relaxing muscle groups in the body to increase awareness of the body and promote relaxation.
Diaphragmatic breathing involves taking deep breaths from the diaphragm (rather than shallow breaths from the chest) to help relax the body and mind.
Visualization involves creating mental images, such as peaceful places, to help focus and calm the mind when feeling anxious.
Hypnotic Stories and Binaural Beats
Humans have been told stories since the beginning of time. From reading novels to listening to audible books, stories can help make people laugh, feel happy, think deeply about life, and even promote deep relaxation.
Hypnotic stories are a type of story specifically designed to help people relax and fall asleep. These stories usually have a slow, calming pace and often incorporate binaural frequencies, which affect brainwaves to relieve anxiety.
Hypnosis-based strategies or not, you can also listen to binaural frequencies through speakers or headphones anytime to help with anxiety reduction.
Talk Therapy
Several different therapy methods can be effective in treating anxiety. For instance, many people may respond well to cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps to identify and change negative thought patterns.
Whichever method you choose, it is important to work with a qualified therapist who can tailor the treatment to your specific needs. Also, keep in mind that many therapists are trained to incorporate holistic approaches – everything from meditation and breathing techniques to hypnosis and binaural beats.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help with finding the right treatment for you and your anxiety.
Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as legal, financial, or medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional advice of your own attorney, accountant, physician, or financial advisor. Always check with your own physician, attorney, financial advisor, accountant, or other business or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.
