Have you ever felt the inextricable sense of dread hanging over you like a black cloud that just won’t budge? Or do you wake in the middle of the night anxious and distraught for reasons unknown? Finding any kind of mental head-space is increasingly difficult in today’s modern global society, especially today with so many distractions and demands that we place upon ourselves to conform to the modern world.
With anxiety disorders being the most common illness in America, affecting 40 million adults (according to the anxiety and depression association of America), it’s clear that many of our nervous systems are overwhelmed. Anxiety leads to increased muscle-skeletal tension, along with a host of uncomfortable emotions such as anger, paranoia, fear, insecurity and ultimately depression.
Stress also raises heart rates, cholesterol levels and blood pressure. It can make us fat, particularly around the belly, and that increases the risk for metabolic conditions, like diabetes and heart disease
Sadly these negative emotions affect our ability to function in the modern world and have a detrimental effect on our family and work-life relationships. There are numerous ways to combat Anxiety/stress but some of the most effective methods are not found in a bottle or from a prescription drug or by talking to a professional that tells you…“How you feel”
Some of the most effective methods for coping with stress are the most simple and easiest to apply and are available to all!!
1. Turn off your device
This sounds so simple but there are so many distractions that keep people from venturing out into our natural habitat. There’s no doubt that modern technology has changed the way we think and the way we communicate with each other and has liberated people from old mind-set’s. It’s been a power for good in the world but comes at a price and has a dark underbelly.
The desire to stay “connected” distracts our minds from our place in the world and disconnects us from nature. Constantly checking social media, E-mail, shopping online, paying bills, work, playing games or just harmlessly browsing away…
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg found that those who constantly use a computer or their mobile phone can develop stress, sleeping disorders and depression. The team studied the habits of more than 4,100 Swedish men and women, aged between 20 and 24 over the course of a year to reach this conclusion.
So limit your time online and take the time to go outside and immerse yourself in the natural world. You may be surprised at the feelings and thoughts that come from deep inside of you.
2. Go outside into nature
Think back to when we were children? Not so long ago when we were encouraged to go outside and get some fresh air…..why? Because it’s good for you!!
Here’s why getting out in the Sun is good for you by the science editor for Softpedia Stefan Anitei
1. The sunlight kills microbes. That’s why it is important to put out in the sun carpets, blankets and eiderdowns that cannot be washed regularly. Exposure to the sun confers the skin a bright, healthy look and increased elasticity.
Moderately tanned skin is more resistant to infections and sun burning than an untanned one. Many skin diseases (dermatitis) can be controlled and even cured through controlled exposure to the sun.
2. The sun rays are proven to strengthen the immune system. Due to the sun, our mood and morals improve. Sunlight helps in cases of chronic or acute depression, by stimulating the synthesis of endorphin’s (good-feeling hormones). That’s why we get depressed in the cold and dark days of the winter.
3. The sun is good against insomnia. Daytime exposure to sunlight increases melatonin production during the night. This hormone helps to regulate sleep.
4. Under the action of the sunlight, the skin synthesizes vitamin D, which makes possible calcium absorption in the intestine, helping the organism grow strong bones. This way the sun prevents Rachitic in both children and adults and osteoporosis in elders.
5. As vitamin D and some related compounds impede the development of some cancer cells, we can say the sun fights off this disease. Regular and controlled exposure to the sun has a preventive effect against cancer of colon, breast, leukaemia and lymphomas.
6. Exposure to the sun strengthens the cardiovascular system. Blood circulation improved, the pulse, arterial pressure, moderately high Glycaemia and cholesterol levels can be normalized.
7. Sun rays improve liver functioning, being effective in treating jaundice.
8. They help the kidneys with a part of their job, as the sun waves favour the elimination of waste products through the skin when we sweat.
9. The sun also helps losing weight by increasing the metabolic rate through the stimulation of the thyroid. It also eases symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
10. The sun rays also ease the healing of the swollen joints during peaks of inflammation in cases of arthritis.
In all things of nature, there is something of the marvellous. – Aristotle
3. Breathe
Now, this is obvious right? Wrong!
One of the main keys to successful stress management is breathing. Breathing is such a primary function for our survival that we constantly take its power for granted and overlook this amazing tool with which we can regulate and stimulate our own good health.
Your automatic nervous system is responsible for your breathing process, which is why you do not need to think about it – you will breathe anyway! By understanding the very direct relationship between your breath and your brain and nervous system, you have a useful tool that can help you achieve and maintain a more balanced, positive, stress-free inner and outer life. After all, if you are feeling calm and centred, then your ability to solve problems, and think more creatively is enhanced.
To learn how to breathe! There are literally thousands of different methods but nearly all focus on concentrating the attention of the mind on the breath itself and how you perform the inhalation and exhalation from the body. Take time out of your daily routine to spend some time working on yourself, this is so important. We all have our worries and problem’s yet how many of us don’t take time out to digest our issues and really pay attention to our mental state of mind and try to achieve clarity? Learn how to breathe and use the time to resolve internal struggles in your mind by thinking clearly and learning to let go…..No one else is going to do this for you. It’s down to you ultimately so…… BREATHE.