Anxiety attacks are frightening. So is the medicine prescribed to counteract them. What if there was a natural way to reduce or eliminate panic attacks? I have suffered from anxiety attacks in the past. Sometimes these were so severe that my natural reaction was to curl up into a ball and panic. I finally decided enough was enough and did some research on natural cures for anxiety. Here is what I found.
Mind over matter
This sounds simple. It is. Learn to recognize the onset of an anxiety attack. Take it for what it is. Dismiss it from your mind. The longer an anxiety attack is allowed to fester, the worse it becomes. Once you have labeled it as an anxiety attack, it loses power over your thoughts. When you panic at the onset, fuel is added to the flame. This disorder feeds on natural fear so don’t give it any.
Reduce or eliminate caffeine intake
Caffeine is a natural stimulant. It causes rapid or irregular heart rate, sleeplessness, insomnia and panic. All of these are also symptoms of an anxiety attack. The effects of caffeine on the body will trigger or worsen an anxiety attack, especially in persons predisposed to them.
Stay away from Mary Jane
Smoking marijuana can cause panic attacks. We all know that pot causes paranoia. Paranoia is a type of anxiety accompanied by fear. What feeds an anxiety attack? Fear is the answer. People serious about natural relief for panic attacks might consider giving up this habit.
Mitral valve prolapse
This is a dysfunction of the mitral valve in the heart. Persons suffering from mitral valve prolapse may be prone to anxiety and panic attacks. Mitral valve prolapse mimics the symptoms of anxiety attacks also. Those having anxiety attacks may want to have their doctor check for this disorder.
Hydration
Water lubricates all natural bodily systems and carries toxins away. People suffering dehydration are more prone to panic and anxiety attacks. Water also boosts hormone production needed to combat anxiety. Persons with mitral valve prolapse may find hydration particularly helpful as it encourages proper blood flow to the heart and other organs.
Get busy
Keeping busy will take the mind off worries and fears. Try a hobby such as gardening that strengthens the mind / body connection. Exercising releases stress, a major contributing factor to depression , panic and anxiety disorders. Using the hands to create is a natural therapeutic remedy for anxiety attacks. Artistic hobbies can calm fear as well.
Create a soothing environment
Calm is the word when it comes to nixing anxiety. Take a leisurely stroll on the beach. Surround yourself with natural music such as rain or ocean waves. Reserve a space in the home that is panic free for thinking and relaxing. Use plenty of soft pillows and candlelight. Talk your partner into a daily trade off massage. All these activities are naturally calming prevention for anxiety attacks.
Distraction
Before learning to control anxiety attacks through mind over matter, I relied on this natural method quite a bit. Television was most helpful to me as it provided visual as well as mental distraction. Read a good book or do a crossword puzzle at the end of the day. If you have trouble with mind over matter, I highly recommend distraction as natural anxiety relief.
More from Jaipi:
Creating a Positive Zone When the Negative Seeps In
Boosting Mental Health with the Power of Your Thoughts
3 Mental Health Benefits of Going to the Movies
