In my article Manifesting with a Twist I write part of the overall manifesting ethos is the idea of like attracting like. Today that guy’s vibrational harmony was such that I left for my walk at the perfect time to come upon him
Yesterday I decided to walk to a local place for lunch. I was working when I felt the urge to leave earlier than I would have. Startled I wondered why.
I decided it must be that the sun was shining – that I was telling myself to get a bit of extra Vitamin D.
I was walking the route I decided would provide maximum sun when I got the urge to turn back and go a different way.
Still sun though not as much thanks to trees.
I resisted because the sun felt nice on the chilly winter day.
The urge to take the other route got stronger.
Listen to Instinct.
I’ve been making an effort recently to listen to my instincts.
Things don’t turn out too well for me when I don’t.
About halfway along the changed route I saw a familiar face.
A gentleman I occasionally see while walking.
We hadn’t seen each other in awhile.
We knew each other’s names but not much else.
When he asked what I’d been up to I explained I’m a holistic health doctor and told him of an upcoming project. We chatted a bit and he asked what I would recommend to someone experiencing anxiety. I immediately rattled off a number of options but seeing he didn’t have anything to write with handed him my business card and suggested he email me so I could give him my suggestions.
Wait!
Before he started walking again I told him instead of an email, check out my blog because I was going to post my recommendations for a larger audience.
A Blog Instead
It was an easy decision, one guided by the fact that in the past four months I’ve had numerous people mention they’re having a hard time with anxiety.
A Common Theme
For some it was the political tension in the country. For others they were still grappling with fallout from the Covid Lockdown.
There were other reasons as well but the above are the ones I heard most often.
Those telling me of their challenges with anxiety are different ages and come from different walks of life.
And live throughout the country and the world.
I intended to post this yesterday but got buried with a different project. Turns out the wait was serendipitous as this morning I came across an article by a Harvard Trained Expert on strategies for handling anxiety.
Another in a series of “coincidences” that let me know this is the right topic at the right time.
Suggestions
Without further ado here are my suggestions for coping with anxiety.
This does not replace consulting with your personal health care provider and you should not stop any medications you take.
And consult with your health care provider to see if there is any reason not to utilize them.
These are remedies I’ve used at various points in my life with great success.
Walking
I’ve written about suffering severe burnout, fallout from the Covid Lockdown.
It was heartbreaking to watch the toll it took on family, friends, community.
I originally began walking to help a student fulfill their remote learning gym requirement but soon found being outdoors regardless of the weather was restoring my health.
It was keeping me sane during a crappy time.
I continued walking long after Lockdown was lifted and soon began hearing people in my community say “Hey, don’t I see you walking?”
I got up to between 2 and 10 miles/day depending.
Walking is an excellent option for dealing with anxiety.
The second it started up I got my tennis shoes on and head out.
I continue to walk rain snow or shine.
Meditation
There are a number of forms of meditation.
As someone whose mind wouldn’t slow down I was unable to meditate until I came upon the Silva Method.
I’ve been successfully utilizing the Silva Method to solve problems since 2000.
Rescue Remedy!
Bach Flower Remedies are an excellent option for dealing with anxiety. Developed by Dr. Edward Bach while treating WWI veterans suffering PTSD and what was known as hysterical paralysis or shell-shock syndrome they are well suited to address a variety of symptoms associated with anxiety, including fright shock and depression.
Homeopathy
Another excellent option for dealing with anxiety and conditions associated with it including PTSD is homeopathy. Developed by Samuel Hahnemann in Germany in the late 19th Century they have been shown to be effective for a variety of symptoms assiciated with anxiety.
Dr. Bach used his principles as a foundation for developing his flower remedies.
For information on which remedies are ideal visit this site.
Homeopathy is considered safe and not contraindicated with medication. It’s still a good idea to check with your health care provider before incorporating them.
Warning!
Homeopathic remedies, also known as cell salts, are formulations and while the names are unique it’s important to differentiate them from other therapies with similar names. An example is the fact the homeopathic remedy arnica montana is not the same as the herb arnica, which can be poisonous. Here is a government site with additional information.
Alcohol
As a research scientist I’ve been very concerned about headlines regarding alcohol and various studies associated with alcohol consumption.
The headlines and the interpretations/conclusions of the data are misleading and in some cases out and out flawed.
I spoke with the gentleman about this when I suggested a glass of wine could be helpful and he mentioned the headlines and not knowing what to think. I gave him my thoughts on the matter then pulled up my phone and showed him an email I’d sent that morning that contained a link to an article validating my thoughts about the flawed interpretations and conclusions.
I clicked the link – showed him the article.
Click here to read the transcript of the interview with Dr. Emily Oster wherein she sheds light on these studies.
What makes it serendipitous is that I only saw the article that morning!
Timing Like Perspective Is Everything!
Talk To Someone
When anxiety becomes so bad it’s interfering with your ability to function it’s a good idea to seek professional help. When it isn’t that severe, it’s still helpful to talk to someone.
During the worst of my burnout I began texting with a buddy in California who was also going through sudden life changes.
Even though things calmed for us both we continue to keep in touch.
Sharing joys as well as frustrations.
You are not alone!
And finally? Know that there are a lot of people feeling anxious these days.
Perhaps some of the suggestions here can help them find peace.
Be Well.
Elizabeth Maxim 