Does Anxiety Control Your Life?

Once you stop letting your past decide how you experience the present, you allow a joyous future.

Anxiety has been a feeling we all have experienced from time to time. It can be useful when it helps prepare us for a challenge we’re about to face, like a new social situation or taking an exam. Yet many people have experienced anxiety even when there was no obvious reason for it. Some have experienced prolonged, debilitating bouts of anxiety.

Anxiety triggers that are common
People’s anxiety responses differ based on what triggers them and how they’ve dealt with it before.

A break-up, concerns about exams or work, or an argument with a friend can cause anxiety, worry, or fear in a person.

Anxiety feelings that persist for more than a couple of weeks are considered persistent. Seek help before they affect your health.

Physical effects of anxiety

• Dry mouth and/or difficulty swallowing
• Nightmares
• Difficulty falling and staying asleep
• Poor concentration
• Muscle tension and headaches/migraines
• Rapid heart rate and breathing
• Sweating or trembling
• Diarrhea/constipation
• A flare-up of another health problem or illness (e.g., dermatitis, asthma)
• Loss of sexual feelings or no interest in sex

Common ways anxiety may have affected your behavior and feelings

• Irritability or being in a bad mood
• Having had a strong urge to avoid situations that you have feared will cause anxiety
• Constant worry, or feeling that something bad was about to happen
• Asking a lot of needless questions and needing constant reassurance
• Being a perfectionist
• Being pessimistic and only seeing what may go wrong in any given situation

What can you do to reduce anxiety?

Nothing diminishes anxiety faster than action ~ Walter Anderson

Here are some proven actions you can take to soothe your anxiety:

Exercise and diet
It has been commonly found that people who were experiencing anxiety may not take care of themselves in the way they should. Remember to eat healthy foods and exercise regularly.

Self-talk
When you ‘hear’ yourself thinking worrisome thoughts, remind yourself that this feeling of anxiety will pass. Distract yourself by thinking about, remembering, or imagining people, places, and events that bring you joy. And you will be amazed how, just by closing your eyes and taking a few deep, slow breaths, you can reduce your anxiety.

Relaxation
There are many ways to relax, yet some of us still have to learn how to do it. Find what works for you.

Meditation, yoga, and pilates are very popular. In most towns, there are classes available.

Listen to soothing music.

Take a walk. Being in nature can be very relaxing and invigorating.

Run with a friend, or take some time for yourself.

Complementary Therapies
Complementary and alternative therapies include body-based therapies, meditation-based therapies, and herbal remedies, among others.

Reflexology is one such therapy. Reflexology works on energy pathways similar to acupuncture, while only using hands and fingers to apply gentle pressure to reflex areas on the feet, hands, ears or face. Reflexology supports you to profoundly relax, release stress, anxiety and tension and experience a deep sense of balance and overall well being.

❝ During the session, I’m transported into a deep state of relaxation and bliss. I come away with a renewed sense of peace and am filled with joy. That’s why so many are drawn to Laura. She has a gift! ❞ – Cassandra Cabrera, Mindfulness Coach

Reflexology has been practiced for centuries — and for good reason. It is believed to date back almost 5,000 years. Reflexology was practiced in ancient Egypt, as was depicted in the hieroglyphics on an Egyptian physician’s tomb, now on display at the London Museum. Reflexology sessions restore balance in the flow of energy, or Qi, in the body. And it’s non-invasive; only your shoes and socks need to be removed.

Classical Reflexology has many health benefits

• Improves Nerve Function
• Increases Brain Power
• Improves/normalizes Blood Circulation In Your Body
• Eliminates Your Body’s Toxins
• Boosts Your Metabolism & Energy Level
• Reduces Headaches
• Relieves discomfort from Menstruation, Pregnancy and Menopause

According to a 2020 study published in Evidence-Based Complementary Alternate Medicine, foot reflexology significantly improved adult anxiety in 26 randomized, controlled studies.

For those looking for a natural therapy to release stress and anxiety, reflexology can be a powerful, and delightful, solution.

Reflexology sessions support you to:

• Release tension associated with everyday life
• Put your body into a state of rest and repair.
• Stimulate the release of endorphins, the ‘happiness hormone’.
• Use a natural therapy vs medicating.

The importance of talking about anxiety

You may feel more anxious when you bottle up your feelings. Talking to someone outside of the situation can help you gain some insight into how you are feeling. That’s why Laura created her holistic approach, which integrates her method of reflexology with Inspired Life Coaching to support the whole person – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

❝ Laura is by far the most nurturing, conscious, and devoted practitioner I have ever worked with. The many ways she has helped me, my family, and my friends have proven her remarkable ability to facilitate healing, time and time again. When you’re ready to transform your fears, anxiety, emotional or physical pain into joy, bliss, and a profound sense of peace, Laura is the best gift you can give yourself and those you love. ❞ – Barbara Biziou, Ritual Expert & Author

Your mind is so powerful that change can happen instantly. Make that first step toward dealing with your feelings of anxiety, and take charge of your life now.

“All the ill that is in us comes from fear, and all the good from love.” – Eleanor Farjeon