I N PROF I LE
Ease anxiety Even the calmest kid can fall prey to anxiety when adolescence arrives and they have to navigate peer pressure, social media, exams, mood swings and a rapidly changing body. Anxiety may be experienced as a racing heart, muscle tension, trembling, breathlessness or concentrating or a headache. What you can do A warm bath is one of the most pleasant and effective ways to soothe anxiety. Add 10 drops of lavender essential oil to the water for an even more calming effect. No time for a bath? Dab a little lavender oil on your temples and on a handkerchief and sit quietly, inhaling the scent. Teas or tinctures based on soothing herbs like lavender (Lavandula officinalis) , orange blossom (Citrus sinensis) , lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) , holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) and ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) have a long and proven history as sedatives, and all may be taken to ease anxiety and encourage a good night’s sleep. Ashwagandha also helps to counter adrenal fatigue, which can be caused by ongoing sustained stress. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is another natural anxiety soother; research has shown that the active ingredients in valerian act upon the same receptors in the brain that the anti-anxiety drug Diazepam is designed to affect, but without side effects or the possibility of addiction. Get an added advantage: Give a teen student an edge in the exam stakes with a supplement based on Sibelius sage, as this helps to improve cognitive ability, critical thinking and memory.
Practise relaxation: There are several breathing methods that help to bring anxiety swiftly under control. To slow and deepen your breathing, sit quietly with one hand over your abdomen, and inhale so that your belly expands beneath your hand but your shoulders don’t lift up. Hold your breath for a count of five and then exhale for a count of 10. Go easy on caffeine: Limit a teen’s intake of caffeine-containing energy drinks, colas, or coffee. Studies show that people who suffer from anxiety are nearly always susceptible to the effects of caffeine. Stay social: Make sure your teen takes time out to go and socialise with friends in real time, not just on social media. Face-to-face chat, fun outings, shared physical activities, such as playing a sport, and caring for others have all been shown to increase levels of oxytocin, the so-called ‘cuddle hormone’, and endorphins, which are natural pain and stress fighters that improve mood.
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ISSUE 56 • 2019
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