During the holiday season people deal with all sorts of emotions. Two of the most common emotions are depression and anxiety.
Anxiety can be a normal part of our emotional experience. However it can also become a panic attack when it is no longer manageable, when you begin to experience physical symptoms along with your thoughts.
When anxious thoughts begin to interfere with sleep, work or daily activities you need to seek professional support.
According to MedicineNet.com, anxiety could be described as a feeling of apprehension and fear which is also characterized by such physical symptoms as palpitations, sweating, and feelings of stress.
Common symptoms associated with anxiety are feelings of apprehension or powerlessness, a lingering sense of danger or panic, heart pounding in the chest and increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, or feeling weak.
If you start feeling anxious there are some very simple behaviors you can use to help reduce anxiety.
• Breathe – Sit still. Put your feet on the ground and just take a few deep breaths!
• Get enough sleep – When you don’t get enough sleep your nerves get rattled more quickly.
• Take a break – Stop what you are working on. Do something else and go back to it later.
• Don’t walk around hungry – When your blood sugar levels are low you are more likely to be irritable and angry. Eat whole foods!
• Get moving – Exercise can reduce stress and anxiety.
• Problem-solve – Instead of worrying about a problem find a solution. It relieves stress immediately!
Coping with anxiety during the holidays is not complicated. Go back to basics and watch your anxiety decrease.
**Please note: This article is geared towards mild anxiety and overwhelm that can occur during the holidays. If you experience these symptoms out of nowhere -- if you suddenly have a pounding heart, shortness of breath and even chest pain, a sense of impending doom, fear or terror or feeling smothered -- see a doctor. You could be having an anxiety attack and in women some of these symptoms could lead to a heart attack.**
Live Vibrantly,
Dr. Dae
Dr. Dae's website: www.healthydaes.com
Dr. Dae's book: Daelicious! Recipes for Vibrant Living can be purchased @ www.healthydaes.com
Dr. Dae's Bio:
“Dr. Dae" (pronounced Dr. Day) Daemon Jones is a Naturopathic Physician who treats the whole person using safe and effective combinations of traditional and natural methods to produce optimal health and well-being in the lives of her patients.
Sources:
"Anxiety - MayoClinic.com." Mayo Clinic. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Dec. 2013.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/anxiety/DS01187
"Anxiety - Medicinenet.com." MedicineNet.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Dec. 2013.
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=9947
Psych Central.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Dec. 2013.
http://psychcentral.com/lib/15-small-steps-you-can-take-today-to-improve-anxiety-symptoms/00016637
Reviewed December 4, 2013
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith