In an uncertain and anxiety-filled world, many of us are feeling disconnected, fearful, and off-balance. Some people resort to managing stress by spending compulsively, eating unhealthy food, smoking, and consuming too much alcohol. Or we seek help from our doctor who offers a prescription to ward off what ails us. Sadly, these methods often come with a price. Many do not realize that some many natural therapies and remedies can help reduce symptoms without the side-effects.
Most do not realize that nature is the answer and the earth - our most excellent resource. Most do not understand that allopathic medicine originates from nature, and many drugs are derived from plants. They are brought to a lab and recreated by using chemicals, hence the ill effects. It is time to return to tradition by grounding ourselves by spending time in nature and using the plant, stem, leaf, and root God intended for us. The power of plants and their purpose for healing dates back centuries.
“Nature itself is the best physician.” – Hippocrates
1. Hug A Tree
Studies demonstrate that trees emit a natural chemical -phytoncides that help to reduce cortisol, improve immune function, and lower blood pressure. The book titled Earthing explores how walking barefoot on the earth can be healthful in many ways through a process that helps us to connect - electrically through to the planet. Using the ground as our anchor, it secures us and immediately connects us to the present moment helping us to feel more peaceful and stable.
2. Breathe Deeply
The Journal of Neurological Sciences reports the role of deep breathing can have a profound impact on lowering stress, cortisol, and heart rate. World-renowned Doctor Andrew Weil, M.D., developed the 4-7-8 breathing technique designed to bring the body into a deep state of relaxation. With lips pursed, exhale through your mouth. Next, inhale quietly through your nose to the count of four. Then, hold your breath for seven seconds. Lastly, while making a whooshing sound exhale from your mouth for 8 seconds. Repeat four times.
3. Unplug From Digital Devices
According to David Strayer from the department of Psychology at the University of Utah, unplugging from digital devices has the potential to rest and restore our brains, improve our productivity, reduce our stress levels and make us feel better.
4. Consume Enough Minerals
Minerals are present in nature and are derived from many plants and root vegetables in healthy soils. One reason that organic produce is often better. Nourishing foods such as beans, lentils, dark green leafy vegetables, turnips, sweet potatoes, carrots, and seeds contain higher levels of brain nourishing minerals. Magnesium, for example, is considered the “anti-stress” mineral. In a random clinical trial, individuals who were supplemented with magnesium had a significant reduction of both anxious and depressive symptoms. A favorite supplement to help reduce anxiety is magnesium L-threonate.
5. Utilize Plant Medicine
Based on science, many herbs in the form of teas, tinctures, and essential oils can have a profound impact on stress and anxiety levels. There are many herbal remedies that are generally safe. Some of my favorites are lavender, passionflower, ashwagandha, catnip, valerian root, chamomile, and lemon balm. As always, you must use potent medicinal herbals safely. Teas are generally safe. However, please do your research and consult a licensed herbalist or practitioner when you do supplementation. Just like anything else, a sensitivity, or an adverse reaction can occur. Especially if you are currently on any pharmaceutical medication.
Key Takeaways
If you are feeling stressed, try the above suggestions before resorting to medication or maladaptive coping strategies. If you would like more info on how you and your family can overcome anxiety, I am offering a FREE downloadable PDF of an online presentation I recently gave containing these 5 tips and many more.
Learn things like why eating protein is important and why microbiome diversity is critical. Also, you will discover the many mind-body practices you can do at home to help manage stress more successfully and so much more. SIGN UP HERE to receive your free download today. And to purchase my award-winning book Healing Without Hurting, CLICK HERE.