Cart

Your cart is empty

Continue shopping now

A Holistic Approach to Anxiety Management

Sporty & Rich Wellness - A Holistic Approach to Anxiety Management 

By: @ericabassowellness

 

In my holistic therapy private practice, I specialize in treating anxiety. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States. Most often a client’s goal is to get rid of their anxiety because it can be so distressing and debilitating, but because anxiety is an adaptive response and can serve a true purpose (i.e. keeping us vigilant and alive), it wouldn’t be useful to rid ourselves of anxiety completely. 


Our biology as a species hasn’t caught up to the advances of our modern and fast pace world. Meaning, when our anxiety is triggered, we often aren’t in real danger (although it feels like we are!). Anxiety often stems from a need for control, but we cannot control anxiety, and the goal is to learn how to tolerate this distressing feeling rather than completely eradicating it. The good news is that there are many things in our control, such as our diet and lifestyle, to help mediate our anxiety and keep unnecessary anxiety attacks at bay. In my experience, taking a holistic approach that addresses the mind, body, and spirit is the most helpful approach for coping with anxiety.

 

The Mind

 

The first step is to identify your triggers and avoidance behaviors. From here, personify your anxiety. Give your anxiety a name and have an image come to mind when it is present. This helps to separate yourself from your anxiety so you have a better chance at not being swept up in it. We are not anxious, we experience anxiety. 

 

Gratitude and mindfulness practices are another great tool. These practices help ground us in the present moment without judgment. Anxiety does not live in the present moment!

 

The Body

 

Be mindful of the ways that dehydration, caffeine, sugars, and alcohol affect you. A holistic approach to anxiety management involves addressing the mind-gut connection and subsequently, healing the gut through your diet (e.g consuming anti-inflammatory foods). Magnesium is like nature’s Xanax, and magnesium glycinate and Epsom salt baths are effective ways to replenish this vital mineral. Lastly, be mindful of your blood sugar balance. Have you experienced “hanxiety” before? Going too long between meals can evoke a stress response in the body, which to many, feels like anxiety or panic.

 

Practice body centered practices such as yoga, tia-chi, massage therapy, or belly breathing. Engaging your five senses is another effective tool for managing anxiety.

 

The Spirit

 

Engage with a community that feels safe, commune with nature, and connect with yourself through special rituals.

 

Anxiety can be a debilitating feeling, but taking a holistic approach that addresses the mind, body, and spirit equips us with an abundance of tools that can help us to manage and break free from its chains.

 

Erica Basso is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist practicing statewide in California. She helps guide women in overcoming anxiety, perfectionism, and relationship challenges. Learn more at www.ericabassotherapy.com

Previous
Next

The Wellness Club

Sporty & Rich Wellness

Adverse Reactions to Food: Allergies versus Intolerances

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @dermahealthnutrition Many food-related symptoms are mistaken for "allergies" when in fact they may be food intolerances. Food allergy and food intolerance are two distinct reactions with unique characteristics in terms of their underlying mechanisms. Accurately distinguishing between the two conditions is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment, and ultimately for improving the wellbeing of those affected.

Read more
Sporty & Rich Wellness

5 Mental Health Benefits of Exercise

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @coreflexpilates Many of us know about the physical benefits of exercise, but what about the psychological benefits of exercise? Exercise can help ease anxiety and depression, improve your sleep and keep your memory in check. Here are five benefits your mental health will get from regular exercise. Better Sleep - E

Read more
Irregular Periods: What Do They Mean?

Irregular Periods: What Do They Mean?

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @drmelissa.co A woman’s period is a vital sign. Just like your blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and breath rate, a woman’s cycle is indicative of her health overall. An imbalanced period indicates suboptimal health.  The menstrual cycle is incredibly complex and requires a constellation of factors to align for it to occur at regular intervals. Factors that can delay a period or...

Read more
Micro-Needling with PRP for Facial Aging

Micro-Needling with PRP for Facial Aging

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @drmelissa.co Facial treatments that slow and treat the signs of ageing have become increasingly popular as an alternative to, or in conjunction with, more invasive methods like injectables and surgery. Micro-needling is one I am frequently asked about, as it can benefit the skin’s appearance, soften fine lines and improve overall texture and plumpness — but

Read more
Sporty & Rich Wellness - A New Way to Navigate Break-Ups

A New Way to Navigate Break-Ups

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @ericabassotherapy As a society we have historically romanticized long-term relationships and marriages even if they are totally unhealthy. All of us have likely applauded the model grandparents who stuck it out in their marriage for fifty-plus years, without thinking to inquire about how they both truly experienced the relationship throughout that time. When it...

Read more
Sulforaphane: The Powerful Nutrient in Broccoli Sprouts

Sulforaphane: The Powerful Nutrient in Broccoli Sprouts

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @emma.walsh Broccoli sprouts might be small, but you likely know that this tiny green superfood is packed with health benefits. This is thanks to the high concentration of an antioxidant called sulforaphane. It’s a sulfur-rich phytochemical found in cruciferous vegetables, but is most potent in broccoli sprouts. You might not have heard...

Read more
People Pleasing: What Causes It and Strategies To Stop

People Pleasing: What Causes It And Strategies To Stop

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @ericabassotherapy Do you often confuse ‘being nice’ with doing things out of fear of being disliked or rejected by others? In my therapy practice I commonly work with individuals who struggle with people pleasing tendencies. People pleasing is not a formal mental health condition, rather a set of behaviors that involve placing the needs of others above one’s own needs. This excessive wish...

Read more
Sporty & Rich Wellness - Treating Acne: which blood tests can be helpful

Treating Acne: Which Blood Tests Can Be Helpful

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @drmelissa.co When one of my patients presents with skin concerns, a component of my plan is always testing, particularly when it comes to acne. Acne is a concern that can arise for a variety of reasons and bloodwork is a helpful tool in understanding its root cause. Without understanding the cause of breakouts,...

Read more
The Energetic Properties of Foods

The Energetic Properties of Foods

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

  By Dr. Natazia zu Stolberg, L.Ac, DACM Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Nutrition extends beyond just the nutritional content of a particular food by focusing on specific medicinal properties as well as the energetic properties each food holds, and how these energies interact with the body. Foods are categorized as cold, cool, neutral, warm or hot.  In TCM, maintaining a predominantly warm diet...

Read more
Microneedling with Exosomes: The Benefits and the Science Behind It

Microneedling With Exosomes: The Benefits And The Science Behind It

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @snatchedbh In recent years, microneedling has gained immense popularity as a non-invasive skincare treatment for a variety of skin concerns, including acne scars, fine lines, and overall skin rejuvenation. But what if we told you there's a way to enhance the benefits of microneedling even further? Enter "microneedling with exosomes" a cutting-edge skincare technique that's been making waves in...

Read more
Sporty & Rich Wellness - Why Cold Water and Smoothies are Making you Bloated

Why Cold Water and Smoothies are Making you Bloated

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

    By Dr. Natazia zu Stolberg, L.Ac, DACM In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the stomach is seen as a pot, with the fire under it being our metabolism. This digestive fire is crucial for the efficient breakdown of food, absorption of nutrients and smooth flow of Qi...

Read more
Sporty & Rich Wellness - 10 Ways To Calm Anxiety

10 Ways To Calm Anxiety

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @curanaturopathy Anxiety is a complex and multifaceted emotional and physiological response to perceived or anticipated threats, which we commonly refer to as stressors. This response is characterized by various cognitive, emotional, behavioural, and physical symptoms.  It’s no doubt that anxiety serves a true purpose as a natural and adaptive reaction to prepare us to deal with challenges...

Read more