Oy Vay: High Anxiety

Sometime-anxiety is a normal part of the human experience. Fourteen years ago, as a hospital nurse, I'd say about 25% of my patients had marked anxiety. This is understandable, hospitals are scary places where one has little control over anything. But I noticed starting about 10 years ago, this increased state of anxiety had skyrocketed for the general population as well as hospital patients, to about 90%.  Anxiety exacerbates other conditions like pain, nausea, respiratory problems, also bringing on extra tensions which further impact health maladies negatively. It behooves us to manage anxiety.

So, what's this seeming global increase of angst about? I have a sense this significant group manifestation is due to more than the circumstances of a downward economy, ten years of war and a world in severe unrest. Yes, external conditions impact our sense of safety and peace.  But I am wondering if it isn't due to internal conditions, related to the idea we are all One, there is no separation between "me" and "them".  Could our internal workings reflect the external and vice versa?  And could it be our own possible life time of non-transparency and personal sense of dis-ease, polarization of our inner parts, the maybe bankrupting (and bailout) of our own truth, who we are, what we have done and not done; the chronic turning away, and a type of corruption of self is related?  This is a collective phenomena, which influence the times we live in and possibly generations to come... Feeling any anxiety yet?

Of course, when talking about human beings, nothing is simple. Anxiety, fear, feelings in general are layered and complex.  Like general stress, anxiety is usually a house built (of cards?), its foundation having been laid probably in infancy and include subsequent floors and rooms built on that foundation over time, creating often unexamined layers.  Besides the obvious, beginning to turn toward our own truths and being with them with as much non-judgement as we can muster, there are some actions that have proved supportive working with anxiety.

Creating a loving ritual around an identified anxiety (ie: bed time, being alone, dealing with bills, being with your significant other or kids-- kidding) goes a long way in calming the sympathetic nervous system.  This could include using essential oils like Neuroli, Rose, True Lavender, Sweet Marjoram in diffusers, baths, post shower lotions. Maintaining a daily gratitude practice in prayer or meditation is a grounding influence, which helps keep perspective. Keeping aggression out of your diet (what you eat, how you eat) and lifestyle in general is also helpful; this would include aggressive exercising.  Although exercise is the number one stress buster, a weekend-warrior regimen is a short term diffuser and doesn't nurture the organism like Tai Chi, QiGong, Yoga, easy-going lap swimming or walking.  Breathing techniques (longer exhales clear the toxic CO2 out of the system, making more room for life giving 02). Being mindful of where the breath is in the body and its rhythm is key, as anxiety tends to contract and minimize our respiration, imperative not only to existence but a moment to moment sense of well being.

And then there is always resting; give that harried Central Nervous System ("CNS") a break.  Playing with electromagnet-related technology like cell phones, computer games, TV actually isn't resting; it is a low grade, under the radar stimulant.  Resting is lying down. In your bed. Lights off. Breathing. Ok, maybe a book, but maybe not murder mysteries (unless they somehow make you laugh a lot).

Which brings us to humor; a wonderful adjunct in any anti-anxiety regimen.  Laughing hard, and deep and heartily (watching Mel Brook's hilarious "High Anxiety" comes to mind).  And crying hard, deep and heartily will do the same for your CNS too. Regardless, when laughing or crying Big, fake it til you make it.

Following is another clear, no-nonsense article by Susun Weed on dealing with fear and anxiety.
 Herbs That Ease Anxiety & Fear

As always, it is always best to consult with your health care practitioner when taking herbal medicines or when considering any before-mentioned health practices.