UNDERSTANDING ANXIETY & HOW IT AFFECTS THE BODY

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.
It's a normal and often healthy emotion, but when it becomes chronic and affects your daily life, it can be debilitating.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders all over Europe, affecting millions of individuals every year.
In this blog post, we'll explore anxiety, its effects, and what you can do to manage and overcome it.

Understanding Anxiety

Anxiety is a natural human response to stress.
It's the body's way of alerting you to potential danger and preparing you to face a threat.
However, when this response becomes chronic and disproportionate to the actual threat, it can turn into an anxiety disorder.
There are several types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias.

Anxiety’s effect on the body

Anxiety can have a significant impact on both your physical and mental health.
When you're feeling anxious, your body goes into "fight or flight" mode, releasing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
These hormones increase your heart rate, breathing, and muscle tension - preparing you to face a perceived threat.
In the short term, this response is helpful, but when it becomes chronic,
it can lead to several physical health problems, including:

• Headaches

• Muscle tension and pain

• Insomnia

• Digestive problems

• Fatigue
  
  Common symptoms of anxiety include restlessness, fatigue, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.
  Anxiety can also manifest physically, with symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, and shaking.

  Anxiety’s effect on the mind

Anxiety can also have a profound impact on your mental well-being.
When you're feeling anxious, your thoughts become consumed with worries and fears, making it difficult to focus on other things.
This can lead to a vicious cycle of negative thoughts, further fueling your anxiety.

Some common mental effects of anxiety include:

• Racing thoughts

• Irritability

• Difficulty concentrating

• Feelings of dread or panic

• Avoidance behavior

Overcoming the effects of anxiety

Remember, anxiety is treatable, and with the right support, you can learn to manage it and improve your quality of life.
There are several strategies you can use to manage and overcome your anxiety, including:

• Exercise: physical activity and movement can help reduce stress and anxiety by releasing endorphins and improving mood.

• Mindfulness: practicing mindfulness and deep breathing can help calm your mind and reduce stress.

• Therapy: talking to a mental health professional can help you understand and manage your anxiety.
  Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often an effective treatment for anxiety disorders.

• Plant Medicines: Plant medicine, such as herbs and natural supplements, can potentially help alleviate anxiety symptoms and promote overall mental well-being.
  Some plant medicines commonly used for anxiety include lavender, chamomile, passionflower, and valerian root.

Anxiety is a normal human response to stress, but when it becomes chronic and affects your daily life, it can be debilitating.
By understanding its effects on the body and mind and taking steps to manage and overcome it,
you can regain control of your life and live with less worry and fear.

If you're struggling with anxiety, know that you're not alone, and help is available.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or in crisis, please reach out to a mental health professional or crisis helpline for support.
Remember, with the right support, you can overcome anxiety and live a happy and fulfilling life.

Ultimately, a holistic approach to treating anxiety that includes professional therapy,
medication (if necessary), and natural remedies can provide the best outcomes for managing anxiety symptoms.

-Jannina Manjang
JM HOLISTIC WELLNESS