Three Natural, Supplemental Therapies To Help With Anxiety
Anxiety can be crippling, and if anxious feelings are getting in the way of your ability to enjoy your life and take care of your responsibilities, it's important to seek professional treatment. But therapy and pharmaceuticals used to treat anxiety don't always completely alleviate the symptoms. If you're being treated for anxiety but feel like you need just a little something more to chase the symptoms away completely, here's a look at some supplemental therapies to consider adding to your routine.
Chiropractic Care
It might sound preposterous that adjusting your back could help alleviate your anxiety symptoms. But in fact, for many patients, it is a very effective treatment. If any of your vertebrae are out of place, they might be putting pressure on the nerves and blood vessels that run along your spine. This pressure interferes with the function of these nerves, which can affect your brain's function and ultimately your moods. Chiropractic adjustments are safe and painless, so it's definitely worth a try. Make sure you tell your chiropractor you're dealing with anxiety so they can focus on areas of your spine that are most likely to be at fault for this condition. For more information about how this works, contact a facility like Olson Chiropractic Centers.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the use of scents to alter the mood. There are numerous scents that have a soothing, calming effect and that may be useful in bringing your mood back under control when you feel the anxiety building. Chamomile, lavender and jasmine are all good scents to try. Keep a candle with one of these scents handy, and light it when you begin to feel anxious. You could also purchase some chamomile, jasmine or lavender essential oil to keep in your purse, and rub a drop into your temples when you're feeling anxious at work or when out and about.
Exercise
If you don't already have a regular exercise routine, developing one might be a great supplemental treatment for your anxiety. Exercise triggers your brain to release endorphins, which reduce your stress levels and help calm anxiety. Start off slow – just a walk around the block is better than nothing. Add a few minutes to your exercise routine at a time until you're getting the recommended 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity. Conventional exercise like walking, jogging and biking are great – but they're not your only options. Look into activities like kick boxing, rowing and rollerblading if you need more inspiration to get out the door.