Anxiety Relief

So some of you know I suffer from anxiety, much of it due to an adrenal gland hormone disease I’ve had for over a decade…maybe even longer. I do take medication, and believe it is useful for many people. I am thankful for medicine, but it’s usually not a complete fix for medical conditions. There are so many other helpful tools I use in addition to medication, and I wanted to share. I hope these help you. This picture below was taken after a few days of gloomy, grey skies and rain. Rain is good for us, but…after a few days of it the sun came out and the green moss and blue skies finally revealing themselves was much appreciated. Relief from anxiety sometimes is the same way, joy after the storm.

“ICE CUBE METHOD” – For almost immediate help, grab an ice cube or two and hold firmly in your hand. Can also place on the back of neck, chest, and ear. It ‘shocks’ your nervous system, and almost re-sets it. This is so helpful! (I’ve heard some do a bowl of ice water and dunk their face into it 🤔. I have not done this but I may try it out, and will let you know what I think.)

“DRY BRUSH METHOD” – Use a soft bristled brush, like this one and brush skin in strokes toward your heart. Start with palms of hands and arms. The bristles offer a physical distraction (and it feels good) from the surrounding anxiety. Dry brushing has other health benefits as well!

“NASAL SPRAY” – You don’t have to have breathing problems to try this method. I use this one. We’ve all heard of breathing techniques (see below) but clearing the nose is a must, at least for me. I often have a ‘stuffy’ nose and I’m so used to it it’s become normal for me. Anyhow, using a natural spray (non-addictive spray) helps me so much and because I can get ‘more air’ which can provide much needed relief!

“EARTHING+SUNSHINE” – earthing sounds funny, but it is just plain science. Take your shoes off and put your feet on the grass, rub your feet into the grass. Walk around. It doesn’t have to be a sunny day, but we need sunshine for health and it also boosts our mood so I combined these together ☀️.

“QUIET TIME” – this seems so simple and I understand for some this may not always be possible depending on your circumstances, but if you can go to a comfortable & quiet place – a bathroom, wherever…do it. Sit and just be still.

“NOISE REDUCTION EAR PLUGS” – Sensory overload is no fun. Some people can handle more sounds than others. If you are the type that doesn’t like loud crowds or whatever bothers you – ear plugs help to dull the noise. You can still hear things but it is dulled. I use these.

“THE WORD OF GOD” – I bring my Bible with me most places. I have also done scripture cards (you can see more in my blog post I did on these here), and if needed, I can always use my phone to look up scriptures in times of distress. There are specific scriptures that comfort me, especially the Psalms. I also have written several of these scriptures on a page in my Bible, that I can easily turn to. I will add more about these specific scriptures at a later time.

“ESSENTIAL OILS” – I make my own blend of quality lavender & peppermint oil mixed with sweet almond oil. I put these in a roller bottle and apply on my wrists, thyroid area, etc. There are many other oils that you may benefit from, one being Vetiver oil. There are more…I will write more about these another time.

“SCALP MASSAGE/TOUCH” – I don’t know what it is exactly, but using your dry brush or a scalp brush such as this relieves stress.

“BREATHING TECHNIQUES” – There are several…I like a deep breath in through my nose and exhale with my mouth. Relax and loosen your jaw. Another techniques that is very helpful is breathing in for a count of four, hold for a count of four, exhale for four, hold for four…and you begin again once completed.