| Winter is a season of stillness. A time for slowing down. Nature is contracting and nourishing its roots, preparing for the new growth of Spring. Is your mind feeling calm like the energy of winter or are you feeling anxious? Are you filled with the energy of anticipation for spring or do you feel sluggish and depressed? The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that over 40 million adults suffer from an anxiety disorder. Anxiety can cause a variety of symptoms; insomnia, lack of concentration, racing thoughts, palpitations, excessive worry, fear, feeling of impending doom and even nausea. These are just a few of the possible symptoms. Anxiety disorders involve more than temporary symptoms. For people suffering from an anxiety disorder, the anxiety does not go away and can get worse over time. The symptoms can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, school work and relationships. While there are many ways to manage stress and anxiety, people are increasingly turning to acupuncture and herbal medicine to alleviate their symptoms. Research has shown the amazing benefits of acupuncture and herbal medicine on anxiety and stress. Specifically, its ability to decrease the stress hormone Cortisol. In between acupuncture treatments you can apply the following techniques to help you achieve the stillness of winter and calm the mind and emotions: Breathe deeply: Find a comfortable quiet spot in your home to sit and set your phone’s timer for 5 minutes. Close your eyes and draw your attention to your breath. Don’t force your breath, just draw your attention to it and allow it to deepen and expand on its own.Get outside: Take a walk. Get out in Nature. Don’t forget to dress warm enough. It is winter even if it is on the Central Coast.Be with people you enjoy: Even during Covid with its restrictions on being in person with the ones who nurture us, take time to maintain your social interactions. Text, phone, Facetime, whatever you need to do to stay in contact. Eat well: Making healthy food choices and drinking plenty of water can have a dramatic impact on our mood. Is it okay to have a cheat day? Sure, but remember to include nutrient-rich and more antioxidant foods into your regular diet. Coupling these techniques with acupuncture and or herbal medicine can be a wonderful way to take control of your mental health and empower you to be and feel your best. For more information on how we can help you achieve your mental wellness goals call or stop by our downtown SLO office. You can also click the link below to schedule an acupuncture treatment. |
