Is the feeling of anxiety your new norm? After many, many years of being on the go, feeling on-edge, and living on a rollercoaster ride of trying to get things done, now is a great time to pause and have a moment.
So… what does calm feel like? Is being on the go actually addictive? Do you love the dopamine rush of achieving and getting things done?
This feeling is absolutely wonderful if your body knows how to release “stress” in a healthy way. Don’t you just love how animals let go of stress by “shaking it off” after being chased? Humans however have adapted to chronic stress in numerous ways and are not great as other mammals with stress management. Over time this results in a multitude of symptoms from the common bowel symptoms of diarrhoea, bloating, indigestion to weight gain, fatigue and even chronic headaches.
I recall how I used to drink at least 3 or 4 cups of coffee daily and wonder why I felt on edge and was a light sleeper. I was addicted to doing and perhaps still am in many ways. An old habit that I’m working hard on to change. I was surrounded by friends and family who were always “doing” rather “being”. Humans are fabulous at mimicking their environment, me included. I thought this was the norm. After all, I noticed many rewards, be it mental, monetary or social. I was receiving praise from my peers for my achievements. I felt I was on a high.
Then symptoms started to kick in. It took a while to make the connection with the stress response, poor lifestyle and nutrition. Over time, the effects of chronic stress kicked in with bowel symptoms, hormonal changes and weight gain. Something had to change … quickly.
So, I began to research what changes can we make to reduce our anxiety or stress levels.
Here are 7 key areas that may be making you feel anxious which you can do something about today.
1. Caffeine intake
How many cups of coffee are you drinking daily? I often say to patients to go on a trial of reducing or even cutting out caffeine completely and just observe how you feel. They are often pleasantly surprised!
2. Sleep
The most precious part of the day and the easiest to give up. Can’t emphasise enough the benefits of blissful, deep, restorative sleep on our mental health.
3. Magnesium Deficiency
Magnesium is essential for over 300 chemical reactions. It helps with sleep, energy and mood. We lose magnesium from poor nutrition, high caffeine intake and stress.
4. Vitamin D deficiency
Did you know Vitamin D is a co-factor for making our happy neurotransmitter called serotonin. This is one of our happy chemicals that is also needed for making melatonin. Win win!
5. B vitamin Deficiency
Again B-vitamins such as B6, B9 and B12 are essential co-factors for making our happy chemicals such as serotonin. Not to be missed!
6. High sugar diet
What can I say. Sugar seems to be popping up time and time again for causing inflammation and affecting our mental health. There’s also an enormous amount of research showing the benefits of a low carb diet and mental health.
7. Lack of time spent in nature
And lastly, nature, often forgotten as many live in urban areas. When was the last time you walked in nature? Humans need nature to help with emotional regulation.
Are you suffering from anxiety? DOWNLOAD our Free E-book on Anxiety and Health HERE.
Disclaimer: This is general advice only. Please see your healthcare professional if you are suffering from stress and anxiety.