Feeling anxious may have many roots: chronic life events, hormonal imbalance, poor sleep hygiene, delayed reactions to previous traumas, cyclic PMS and acute stress. The feelings associated with anxiety may vary from shallow breathing, tense muscles (shoulders, toes, jaw, intestines) to feelings of paralysis and inability to make decisions with or without pressure.
Much can be done to soothe troubled spirits, minds, and bodies. For women, having the awareness and acceptance that feelings may be connected to the menstrual cycle, has a calming effect and helps to empower women as well through self-knowledge. Regular massages, baths, saunas, workouts, and a strong support network can make the difference between interpreting a problem as threatening to a situation with multiple solutions.
The power of hydration comes with the package of self-care. With proper fluid intake, of good quality, our bodies are able to utilize the primary modes of waste (toxin) elimination. The skin, kidneys, and bowels handle the physical elimination of the body and do so best with an abundance of available water.
Supplementation may be helpful, though it is imperative to verify that there are no known contraindications prior to choosing to use some of the supplements on the market. Check-in with your doctor and pharmacist to ensure that you make the safest choices possible.
• L-Theanine: an element found in green tea, this amino acid supports the nervous system and assists the perception of relaxation and calmness by enhancing alpha waves produced by the brain.
• Melatonin: taken half an hour prior to sleep can aid in falling asleep quicker and works as a powerful anti-oxidant. It is a hormone and many women have reported adverse dreams –it also has the ability to influence fertility cycles. As such, for women wishing to not inhibit their fertility, melatonin is best taken during the non-fertile stage of their cycle.
• Magnesium: an alkaline earth metal that the body uses in multiple ways. Specifically, its role in muscle relaxation cannot be understated; magnesium can be utilized during the day and supports healthy blood pressure, healthy bowel movements and sleep.
A mind and body practice like tai-chi and yoga are easily implemented and imparts a serene sense of connection to the self and space around one’s self. Reality checks that investigate the importance of a situation can help place perspective away from fruitless worry.
All in all, our emotional state plays an integral role in the identification of our own self-worth. We can respect the worry and anxiousness that we feel as an indication of self-reflection upon our priorities and seek to make healthy decisions for ourselves. When sleeplessness arises on occasion we can use the opportunity to quiet our minds and seek a humble inner look at our base feelings, thoughts, beliefs and perhaps journal some of these components down. Then, we can align our moral compass to help us `feel out` what solutions are available. Once jotted down, we can then, hopefully, sleep on it.
Note: Conditions such as sleep apnea are best observed and treated with a specialist.
