How does GAD effect you? No, not “Gad” the Biblical character who was a son of Jacob. We’re talking about GAD the “Generalized Anxiety Disorder.” It has been described as “excessive, uncontrollable and often irrational worry about everyday things that is disproportionate to the actual source of worry.” Although many people with anxiety would not say this accurately defines them. Some of us do have irrational worries, but some of us simply have bouts of chest pain, stomach problems, headaches, insomnia, fidgeting or muscle aches.
We can also speak of Anxiety in general.
When a doctor diagnosed me with anxiety it all made sense. But, before then I would never have said that I had anxiety problems. I was too busy. Too strong. Too responsible to let something like anxiety give me issues!
Then reality sank in after EKGs, heart panels, x-rays, blood checks… nothing was physically wrong with me. There was something else going on. Maybe you’ve experienced something similar. The chest pain or fidgitiness… Maybe you wake up an night and are unsure why. These can be signs of stress leaking into physical symptoms.
What can we do?
You can go on medicine, which we pointed out was expensive. You could ignore it, which isn’t really an option. Or you can take control and try some nice natural ways to try and fight this. Here are some natural exercises that can help. More in the days to come:
Some of these work for some people, and others don’t. I’ll simply list some of the interesting solutions to help calm ourselves down naturally.
- Exercise. Yuck, right? Reality is we have a lot of pent up stress and physical exercise can help get it out.
- Preach to yourself. Tell yourself good things like, “I can handle this project.” Or “I am not having a heart attack, it is just anxiety, calm down.” – unless of course you may be having a heart attack, then call 911. If you aren’t certain don’t take a risk.
- Eat some candy. Well, technically we should healthier. But, catch the point: sometimes low blood sugar can be a cause of anxiety! Eat a nice snack and see if it helps.
- Chocolate. For real this time! Studies have shown that small amounts of dark chocolate has been shown to relax people.
- Breathe slower. Often when we have anxiety or a panic attack our breathing rapidly increases… slow down… breathe through the nose. Nice and slow.
- Muscle contractions. Start by tensing a muscle, such as your hand, and then releasing it. You may find your muscle were more tense then you realized. Try this with all major muscles.
- Get some real help: I highly suggest and promote a product called Panic Away. Read their testimonials and decide for yourself but the cost is virtually nothing compared to getting rid of anxiety. Just think whether it would be worth it next time you have a panic attack or chest pain caused by anxiety. As for me, it’s totally worth it!! Click here to learn more about it.
Video on Relief