Day 2766 - 3 tips on how to ease anxiety levels

Day 2766 - 3 tips on how to ease anxiety levels

challenges fitness health mindset Stress tips and tricks

Feeling a bit anxious?

I've noticed that I've been suffering a bit of anxiety recently.  Nothing major, I just seem to get jumpy occasionally and my face tends to go red from nerves at the most unexpected times.




There are a few things I've read that may actually assist with reducing anxiety levels.

1.  YOGA

The first one is yoga.

A groundbreaking study at Flinders University in Adelaide has found that yoga can actually alter the function of DNA.

According to News.com.au the study found that "chronically stressed women who practised yoga once a week for eight weeks experienced biological changes as well as positive psychological benefits".

Specifically the study looked at the gene associated with inflammation and immune response because chronic stress has been associated with elevated inflammation.

Participants found that after just one session of yoga their anxiety levels had dropped dramatically.  After 8 weeks they were feeling completely stress free.

2.  POTASSIUM

According to mentalhealthfood.net, a diet low in potassium can cause anxieties to emerge. Potassium deficiency can also cause irritability, fatigue, muscle weakness, cramps, Restless Leg Syndrome and chronic pain.

Livestrong suggests that foods high in potassium include beans, dark leafy greens, potatoes, squash, yoghurt, fish, avocados, bananas and mushrooms. They also say that the problem with potassium is getting the balance right as too much potassium can cause serious heart, nerve and muscle problems.

So if you want to stick to the more medium/low potassium foods to get your potassium levels up gently then lemons are a good middle ground.

Perhaps instead of a cup of tea in the morning a nice fresh glass of lemon water each day might do the trick.  The bonus is that lemons also support the immune system, aid digestion, repairs the skin, balances pH levels, cleanses the urinary tract, freshens the breath and reduces the appetite.  (Bodyandsoul.com.au)

3. LAUGH WITH A FRIEND

Apparently being around your best friend can decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol.  If your best friend just happens to be funny, then that's a bonus!

The Woman's Day recently suggested that you can cut your stress levels by 39% simply by hanging out with your funniest friend.

According to AuthorityNutrition.com laughing relieves anxiety because it brings more oxygen into the body and organs; stimulates and relieves the stress response; and relieves tension by relaxing the muscles.  In the long term laughter can also improve the immune system and our overall natural mood.

If your bestie isn't readily available, or they aren't particularly funny, perhaps a daily dose of a slap-stick TV show will help.

How are you anxiety levels?

Could you use some yoga, lemons and laughter in your life?



Note: I am not a psychologist nor nutritionist.  The above information is brought to you via my online reading.  

Aromatherapy and Oriental Lilies

Aromatherapy and Oriental Lilies

#Smell aromatherapy Flowers and Scent Oriental lilies OT Hybrids Sonata Lilies Stress

Have you ever noticed your bouquet of Stargazers or White Casablanca lilies smelling more sweetly in the evening as you relax? That's because of a fragrant compound called linalool--most lilies emit linalool, and often more intensely in the evening.  This little fragrant compound is extra-special because it is one big way we can decrease stress and increase feel-good feelings.

The Aromatic Oriental Lily

Our sense of smell can trigger neurological and chemical responses in the body; a single scent can make us feel calm, help us tackle a stressful task, or energize a lethargic day. And this kind of aromatherapy isn't just a placebo effect--there is scientific evidence to back it up and show how the fragrance of flowers can have a positive effect on moods.

Oriental Lily

Enter linalool. A 2009 study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry shows that the floral-scented compound, linalool, has a positive effect on stress-related changes in the body.  In the study, the inhalation of linalool not only reduced chemical changes to stressed-out immune cells in the bloodstream, it also calmed more than 100 genes which tend to go into action during stressful situations  

Dynamite Oriental Lily

Now, let's talk flowers.  Another study published by the American Society for Horticultural Science showed that lilies, especially the aromatic Oriental Lilies and OT Hybrids, emit large amounts of linalool.  In fact, linalool is one of the lily's major scent components. This isn't so odd, considering that researchers say the inhalation of fragrance from certain flowers is a practice that has been used to reduce stress, fight depression, and induce sleep for centuries. Apparently people have been using flowers to feel better for a long, long time.

It gets better...not only do lilies aromatically soothe, they also come added benefit of being visually pleasing.  And, according to a study conducted by Harvard Medical School, this adds to their overall positive effect on our well-being. The study found that the simple presence of flowers in the home could affect a wide variety of emotions— such as less anxiety and depression, enhanced relaxation and energy, and compassion at work. Lead psychologist Dr. Nancy Etcoff states, "We didn’t know that spending a few days with flowers in the home can affect a wide variety of feelings."

Sonata OT Hybrid Lily

I've always loved the look and smell of Oriental lilies, and even more so now that I've learned about their aromatherapeutic benefits.  Yet another great reason to buy myself flowers--what a beautiful way to calm down and feel better!  Next time you or a friend is feeling stressed out, try a big bouquet of Oriental Lilies--sit down, relax, and smell the flowers. 

Starfighter Lilies