Overthinking about an uncertain situation often leads to anxiety but we are so used to normalising overthinking that we don’t feel that it's something that needs to be taken care of!
Worry and stress are, in fact, natural, but what isn't?
It's not natural for your worry to take over your life. No one should suffer or experience dysfunction because of their conduct. If your anxiety is preventing you from participating fully in your daily activities and interpersonal connections, we have a situation.
If any of the above resonates with you, we want to congratulate you for making it this far. We're here to get you to the peace of mind and out of this rut you've been in for so long.
Did you know that Ayurveda can actually help alleviate your anxieties to a large extent? Curious how it works? Read on to find out.
Causes of Anxiety- According to Ayurveda
There can be a lot of causes as to why people develop anxiety, especially during the course of modern stressful lifestyles. Events like the loss of a loved one or a messy divorce can take a toll on your mental health. Certain social situations as well as social anxieties can also trigger panic attacks.
From the perspective of Ayurveda, anxiety is defined as the dosha imbalance which means excess vata energy is accumulated in your nervous system. Vata is a mobile element that has several qualities of the Fall season- dry, light, rough, mobile. Ayurveda believes in the tenet that “like increases like and the opposite balances”. When too much vata accumulates, they need to be balanced with an opposing kapha force that is sweet and soft.
Here is how you can manage your anxiety
There are a lot of ways you can manage your anxiety attacks better by taking the help of Ayurveda. Take a look:
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Give yourself a relaxing oil massage (Abhiyangam)
Ya ya, we know this is not the ideal massage and spa services that are usually marketed everywhere. It is cheaper yet effective. You basically massage yourself all over the body with a relaxing and invigorating body oil. Research shows that a good quality massage helps release the “feel-good” (oxytocin) hormones which help boost a positive mindset and also helps relax your muscles and joints. Body massage oils containing ingredients like eladi, hemp seed, rose extracts, peppermint oil or ylang ylang have proven to be extremely beneficial against sudden panic attacks and PTSDs (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Try TAC’s Body Glow illuminating Oil made with a blend of the choicest ingredients and see the difference! -
Eat well, eat healthy
Ayurveda views your system as a fire that keeps burning and helps maintain all it’s internal functions. Food is like wooden logs to this fire that keeps the fire burning. No matter whether you are dieting or not, eating well and eating right is important. When we say eat well, we mean eat your meals at the right time and consume the right foods in the right amount. Here are a few pointers for you:
- Make sure to eat small portions at regular intervals. Avoid eating too much at one time.
- Ritualize your eating habits. Eat your breakfast within 9am and try to include warm, well-spiced and easily digestible foods in your diet. Eat a hearty lunch that is balanced completely with fruits and vegetables( since your digestive fire is strongest during this period). Always keep your dinners light.
- Take it up a notch by maintaining an Ayurvedic diet. Always prefer warm cooked meals in oil rather than dry fried stuff like chips and instant noodles. Include legumes and vegetables. Load up on your protein intake with milk and other dairy products. Avoid caffeinated beverages, sugar and processed foods. Basically we mean ditch the ready-to-eat meal packets and cook yourself some real food! -
Breathe in, breathe out
Sounds simple? Well, what if we tell you to do a breathing exercise in the midst of a stressful day? While on the surface this might sound ridiculous and a waste of time, relaxing and focusing on yourself will actually make you more productive. Sama vritti or balanced breathing is a low intensity exercise aimed at recalibrating your breath that soothes your nervous system. This is how you do it:
- With your back straight, sit in a comfortable position. Make sure your legs are crossed.
- Close your eyes and simply take in your surroundings while breathing normally.
- When ready, start inhaling and exhaling each time at the count of 4.
- Slowly increase the counts and continue the breathing exercise till you feel calmer.
- Try to continue doing this for a few minutes for better results. -
Focus on what you want to, not what you need to
We are not telling you to let go of your responsibilities. But every once in a while, it is good to prioritise yourself no matter what anyone says! Skip the boring groceries and get yourself a facial! Or maybe simply be a couch potato and do nothing! Or better, go catch up with your friends if that’s what you want. Keeping yourself happy is key to a more productive self. -
Have a warm shower at the end of the day
Trust us, Archimedes wasn’t the only one who had a eureka moment while at the shower! You might have had too but you simply didn't really recognise it. A lot of the times complicated stuff can become much simpler as warm water trickles down your body and unclogs your mind. As your mind becomes clearer, you start thinking more rationally! We recommend putting in a few drops of essential oil in your bath water and playing some music while you shower in peace. -
Ditch the Phone
While modern lifestyle is incomplete without our smartphones, sometimes you gotta ditch them. Get a hold of your life and stop comparing yours with that of the glitzy posts on social media. Remember, everybody tries to share the good moments but not the bad ones. Happiness comes from within, not from spending money on luxury experiences! So get up and start doing something with your hands- play the piano, bake a cake, read a book. Whatever makes you happy! Appreciate the little things in life and stop chasing superficial satisfaction. Treat yourself to luxury experiences once in a while, but know your priorities well. -
Exercise regularly
A 30 minute brisk walk or jogging can help release those endorphins and calm down your system. Even when you have a busy day, take some time to do some light exercises and you will feel better and lighter than before! On weekends, do some fun exercises like swimming, playing soccer and yes, some at-home zumba sessions count too!
Fight anxiety, the natural way
Nature is full of ingredients whose natural oils and aroma help soothe muscle joints as well as calm down excited nerves. A simple self oil massage and a good diet can help improve your condition a great deal. You don't always need those luxurious spa sessions to feel good. Doing things that you love and giving time to yourself will automatically elevate your mood and make your days better. As you fight through your anxiety attacks, TAC will assist you in your mental wellness journey.
