Holistic remedies are made to treat the whole body and not just symptoms of a disease. Holistic medicine focuses on treating disorders of the mind and not just the body. Stress and anxiety are serious conditions that contribute to all kinds of health problems by inhibiting the body’s natural ability to sustain a healthy balance between its systems. Review the following holistic remedies that are commonly used to treat stress and anxiety.
Sleep
Getting enough sleep is necessary to maintain optimal health. Sleep deprivation is linked to increased levels of stress and anxiety that cause you to feel jittery, restless and disoriented. As you sleep, the body rests and renews itself for the next day.
Exercise
Exercise regulates the circulation of healthy blood and oxygen throughout the body. The oxygen that reaches the brain is needed to help you focus more and stay concentrated longer. It removes brain fog and improves your sense of wellbeing, which ensures that you are capable of handling stress.
Water
Water is essential to all life, and that includes humans. Water plays a vital role in organ function, brain function, muscle function, and well…everywhere. Often we don’t get enough water, either because it doesn’t taste good or we simply forget. But if you’re feeling inexplicably tired or have a strange headache, you may just need a glass of water.
Energy Healing
If you’ve been feeling stress and tired, then you may want to consider energy healing. Energy healing practices typically include EFT, Reiki, sound baths, and chakra clearing. Chakras are centers of energy in the human body that play a role in directing your mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. Having energetic blocks in any of your chakras can negatively affect your mental and physical health. With energy healing, you can gain greater balance, which could improve your stress and fatigue.
Aromatherapy
There’s a reason why people like scented candles and perfume. Pleasant scents make us feel good and help us to relax. And if you suffer from anxiety or chronic stress, surrounding yourself with pleasant scents can help ease those feelings. In fact, some studies have found that aromatherapy can even decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Some of the best essential oils for stress and anxiety are:
- Lavender
- Bergamot
- Chamomile
- Rose
- Sandalwood
These can be diffused or applied topically (diluted).
Dietary Restrictions
Like most people, you consume foods without knowing what you’re eating. Some foods affect certain receptors in the brain and increase feelings of anxiety. Too much caffeine increases your heart rate and blood pressure, causing you to feel jumpy and act like you’re under pressure.
Reduce your consumption of tobacco, alcohol and any other substance that causes addiction. A common myth is that all harmful substances are illegal. However, sugar is one of the most addictive and destructive food ingredients that leads to poor health. All of these can impact your oral health, as well.
When you’re addicted to certain foods, having to consume more of the same substance adds to your stress. Also, quitting causes withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, nausea, and sweating. When you follow a healthy, wholesome diet, you improve both your mental and physical health. There are plenty of books to read on holistic health and diets out there to help you get started.
Anxiety is a serious yet commonly overlooked mental disorder. Many people do not know that there is a problem or think that their symptoms are typical. Others want treatment but hesitate to go to a doctor because they fear taking medication. The alternative solution is to take holistic remedies that may be just as effective at treating chronic stress and anxiety.
Overall, take some time to explore different ways to get your body to feel good, as we have some more general tips on how to do so as well!
References: