HEALTH REPORT
Don’t stress
I n this age of anxiety, Naturopath Caroline Robertson offers solutions . Feeling anxious? You are not alone. A 2019 report from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners has revealed that anxiety and depression are more common causes of visits to the doctor than coughs and colds. Humans are hardwired to react to a perceived threat with the ‘fight or flight’ response. This response triggers the release of the hormones adrenalin and cortisol in the body, which in turnmobilises the mind and body to deal with imminent danger. However, the effects of this response (for example, a dry mouth, accelerated heart rate, tense muscles, reduced digestion) are often disproportionate to the cause (a cancelled train or rude customer). Plus, if the trigger events are constant, the resulting prolonged stress can increase the likelihood of adrenal exhaustion, cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, compromised immune function, weight gain, hypertension, inflammation, elevated LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol, reduced libido, ulcers and chronic anxiety. how can we be warriors rather than worriers?
From tense to tranquil Chronic anxiety holds us hostage, because it affects every area of health and life. It also ages us prematurely, because it appears to shorten telomere length. Common symptoms of chronic anxiety include breathlessness, numbness or tingling in the extremities, depression, diarrhoea, dizziness, a dry mouth, fatigue, hot flushes, muscle tension, nausea, and viral flare-ups. People who have been affected by trauma, malnutrition, hormonal imbalances or Pyrroles Disorder are more prone to experiencing anxiety; the personality traits of pessimism and perfectionism also increase the odds of being anxious. Awareness is the first step in transforming panic into peace. When anxiety flares, listen to your inner voice. Inhale deeply through the nose and exhale through the mouth with a shhh sound to silence negative self-talk. Next, shift your focus by thinking of something positive, either in the present or future. Establish a
habits like overscheduling. Establish a nurturing and sensible routine of regular exercise and meals, sleep, solitude, hobbies and social interaction. Adopt a practice of meditation or prayer to tap into your inner strength. Seek professional support with an appropriately qualified psychological counsellor. Remember that every obstacle contains an enriching lesson. And - considering that 99 per cent of what we worry about never happens and if it does, we handle it - why worry? Worry is a waste of energy that blocks pleasure in the present. Natural remedies Supplements: The nervous system and
calming anchor, such as an affirmation, visualisation, postural change or action. Moving forward, seek solutions to problems. Reduce anxiety triggers, such as certain people or places, or unhelpful
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ISSUE 56 • 2019
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