Natural Approaches to ANXIETY

Anxiety is a very real and unpleasant physiologic condition, created by over-stimulation of the adrenal glands.  These tiny organs which sit above the kidneys (“ad” above, “renal” kidney) secrete potent hormones including cortisol and adrenaline.  Adrenaline, as you know, is the “fight or flight” hormone, which can cause intense core vaso-constriction as blood is shunted to the major running muscles and to the brain.  This temporary but extreme shift in blood flow dynamics creates many very real symptoms,

Insomnia

For starters, here is a handy list which could be called the “Ten Commandments for Sleepers:” Go to bed and get up at the same time every day. Make sure your sleep environment is as comfortable as possible. Keep your bedroom as dark and as quiet as possible. Avoid caffeine — in coffee, tea and soft drinks — in the evening. Don’t drink alcohol or smoke before going to bed. Get some exercise every day — but not in the late evening. Don’t nap in the daytime. Develop a sleep ritual — a nightly routine that eases you down from the day’s activity. Use your bedroom for sleeping instead of working, worrying or watching television. If you can’t sleep, get out of bed and do something relaxing, like reading, deep breathing or yoga.