Anxiety and Stress

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Not a subject to be taken lightly and one where expert medical advice
is strongly recommended if you are not well. In today's modern world
it is a growing malaise, but what can we do to help ourselves?

A good diet, exercise and making time for relaxation are all
important. That's all very well I hear you say, but where do we get
the time to make sure we do that. Not easy I know, especially if you
have work plus kids to contend with. Most working people have
probably had time management presentations at work and feel their
employer lives on another planet and Timex in an ad campaign confirmed
that there are only 24 hours in a day. However, these three things
are prerequisites for a healthy life and your agenda needs to include
them.

A good diet consists of a moderate intake of complex carbohydrates,
fat and protein, plus large helpings of fresh fruit and veg. Fast
food need not be unhealthy. Salads take little time to prepare and
added to a protein and carbohydrate source provide a nutritious main
meal.

Exercise should ideally consist of 20 minutes aerobic activity and 40
minutes of weight training at least 3 times a week. However, being a
realist I know this will not be possible for some, but do try to do
something. Try walking or cycling to work. A walk surrounded by
greenery is very therapeutic but the pace should not be too
leisurely. If you do make time for your favourite soap perhaps try
exercising while watching. A few bicep curls and squats should not be
too hard to fit in and should not disturb your viewing too much.

Relaxation can be achieved through a whole range of activities. I
mentioned walking and exercise above, to that add reading, listening
to music and meditation (especially if you find it hard to mentally
switch off). I'm sure you can think of other ways too ;-)

If there are particular things going on in your life causing you
stress then you need to talk to someone, preferably qualified if it is
a serious problem. If the problem is your employment, then it could
be that ultimately the most sensible thing to do is work elsewhere.

There is evidence that a deficiency of magnesium and of vitamin B6 can
lead to anxiety. Also, when under stress the body uses more vitamin
C, so supplementing your diet with these could be beneficial.
Excessive alcohol and caffeine is not recommended!

Gamma aminobutyric acid - is a neurotransmitter, which inhibits
anxiety. Whether taking supplements is useful is something only your
feedback can provide. Herbs like valerian are thought to naturally
effect GABA levels. I find that valerian does not relax me and has
the opposite effect, which is one of its contraindications, but many
people find it very effective in helping with insomnia and stress.
There are numerous other herbs such as hops, black cohosh, blue
vervain, chamomile, damiana, evening primrose oil, Korean ginseng,
lobelia, oatstraw, passionflower, St. John’s Wort and Scullcap that
aid relaxation.

If you are taking medication then ask your doctor about the safety in
using any of these herbs. I know when using St John's Wort you should
be very careful of over exposure to the sun, so it may be wise to not
use it in the summer.

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topics.