Stress & Anxiety Help

I haven’t done a post for about a week. Why? Two reasons: I have a temporary assignment that has been keeping me busy and there hasn’t been much going on in my job search. I’ve had one pre-screening phone interview which lead to nothing and I’ve barley found any jobs worth applying for. I’m doing “ok” on the money front but I am still struggling with stress and anxiety.

As I mentioned in my background, earlier this year the stress of this whole situation lead to panic attacks and I had to be prescribed an anit-anxiety medication called Klonopin. I hate taking any medications, even aspirin, so it wasn’t until I couldn’t sleep for about 2 weeks that I finally broke down and went to the doctor. I took the Klonopin for a week and was able to get the anxiety under control and sleep through the night again. I still keep them on hand for nights when it comes back but I haven’t had to take any for several weeks.

I’m sure most people know that stress is very hard on the body. In my search for alternative medications and other natural ways to help with stress and anxiety I have found many helpful tools. I believe that the most important way to help with stress is to prevent it. Once it gets to the point of panic attacks, its hard to stop it without medication. I will now share some of my findings.

Aroma Therapy – this is a good prevention tool. Lavender and Chamomile essence are known to reduce stress. I keep a small bottle in my purse and sometimes smell it during the day. I’ve rubbed some on the vents of the air conditioner in my car before a drive. I also put a few drops in boiling water and breath in the steam before bed, or put a few drops on a paper towel underneath my pillow case. Bath and Body works has a whole line of Aroma Therapy products that include a lavender-stress line with hair care, lotion, pillow spray, etc.

Affirmations – these are also helpful with prevention. Sometimes I will write out a list of things I am thankful for or I’ll go over them in my head. I also have a specific saying that I use when I feel a little panicky. It’s just a couple phrases that I repeat in order to calm myself down and focus on something else. These techniques help to put things into prospective so you can concentrate on less stressful things. I also think about a “happy place.” I love the beach so I will close my eyes and pretend that I am sitting on the shore with the sun on my face. It’s important to remember that you can use your mind to control your body. Thoughts are a powerful thing.

Prayer and Scripture – what ever your religion, I think prayer and scripture can help through times of stress and anxiety. I am not a very religious person but I still pray for help and guidance and I also use scriptures in my affirmations. If you believe in a higher power, then knowing that higher power is watching over you and taking care of you can be a source of comfort. I have had people pray with me and for me and every night before bed I thank God for all the blessings he has given me and I also ask him to give me strength to deal with this hard time in my life. Or, if you don’t want to talk to God, talk to friends and family. It is important to express your emotions and not keep them inside, this only makes the stress worse.

Herbal Medications – If you go to your local health food store you are likely to find a whole array of herbal stress relief formulas. Usually there is someone on staff that can help you pick something that will be right for you. I have a hard time swallowing large pills so I enjoy the stress relieving teas, especially the night time formulas before bed. Another formula that I have found recently is Relora. You can buy it alone or in combination with other stress relievers like  L-Theanine. This one took about a week to fully work but I prefer it to prescribed medications.

Get physical! – Exercise is one of the best stress relievers there is. Walk, jog, ride a bike, rollerblade, go swimming, anything!

Misc – Get out of the house! Sitting around thinking about a bad situation only makes it worse. There are so many things to do that don’t cost anything. If you can’t find work, volunteer. You won’t make money (usually) but it will occupy your time, and even make you feel good about yourself. Kick, scream and cry, anything to release your pent up stress, don’t keep it inside. Just don’t kick, scream and cry at someone else Get a hobby and keep yourself busy. Limit your caffeine. Caffeine isn’t bad for you but it can contribute to anxiety.

I hope this is helpful for some. I would also like to hear others’ advise.

Explore posts in the same categories: Inspiration, Thoughts

Tags: anxiety, health, stress, stress relief, Thoughts

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