You’re about to interview for a job you really want, or you are waiting for a test result to come back – these are all normal and expected reasons to experience some short term anxiety.

Anxiety is something we all experience every now and then, but if you are feeling anxious for longer periods of time and for what are considered less anxiety provoking issues you may have Generalized Anxiety Disorder, a common clinically diagnosed mental health condition.

In our current circumstance living in a time of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is no surprise more of us are feeling increased anxiety at baseline. If you are experiencing disabling anxiety or having panic attacks please talk with your provider about it, as you may need medication and counseling in addition to trying natural methods to combat it.

For milder anxiety there are natural things that can help.

1. Healthy diet:

Eat a balanced diet and avoid processed foods, foods with artificial colorants or preservatives. Also avoid neuroexcitoxins such as glutamate (common flavor enhancer) and aspartame (artificial sweetener). 

2. Supplements: 

There are some key nutrients/compounds which support a calming mood such as SAMe, Relora, Passionflower tincture, L-theanine can be helpful.  Consult with a Lifescape provider for a personalized supplement recommendation.

3. Ditch the caffeine and alcohol:

Caffeine can worsen anxiety, and alcohol although it initially may make you feel slightly sedated or seem like it helps you get to sleep, changes the neurotransmitters in the brain and can worsen anxiety and insomnia ultimately.

4. Exercise:

Mind and body are connected, and exercise does release stress as well as releasing some feel good hormones. 

5. Meditation:

Do a meditation session daily. Some commonly used apps include Headspace & Calm.

6. Deep Breathing:

Try starting a habit to take a few deep breaths every time you wash your hands.

7. Physical Relaxation Techniques:

Massage, yoga, some essential oil Lavender drops in an Epsom Salt bath at night for 20 minutes.

8. Sleep:

Get at least 7-8 hours quality sleep a night.

As pioneers in the emerging field of Functional Medicine, LifeScape providers delve deep into root causes of symptoms aiming to prevent or reverse chronic disease. We strongly believe that chronic disease need NOT be a life sentence and all patients deserve more than just a prescription (band-aid) for every symptom. We advocate for our patients in hospitals, care centers, and with care teams and sub-specialists. Your LifeScape practitioner assures you have a solid quarterback you know and trust focusing on your whole health while overseeing your care.

Please schedule a “meet and greet” in person or virtually with me (Dr. Zoë McMillen) to see if investing in our Concierge Care program, or a Functional Medicine Consult, makes sense for you or your loved ones.

Interested in working with one of LifeScape's providers? Learn more about LifeScape's Concierge Care program and our Primary Care options.

Resources: https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200520-can-the-centenarian-olympics-help-you-live-longer