As I write in first, we make the beast beautiful, a pick axe to the head won’t cut it when my anxiety is at full throttle (so don’t suggest some chamomile tea, or valerian, in such instances!). I accept this; I now put my efforts towards maintaining an even keel. In The Beast I liken having a chronic anxiety disorder to carrying a shallow bowl of water around. It’s a responsibility to keep things stable:
To this end, I have an arsenal of tricks. Natural tricks. Tricks that are easy to incorporate and ensure the sloshing doesn’t get out of control.
1. Valerian Complex
This stuff is made by Mediherb and is a blend of herbs that somehow works. I’ve tried all kinds of other valerian; most did nothing at night and left me a zombie in the morning. When my sleep ain’t grand, I take 1-2 tablets half an hour before sleep.
Rating: 7 out of 10
2. Power (hot) yoga
Infrared Vinyasa yoga works for the following: getting to sleep that night, reducing inflammation from a sleepless night the night before, defrazzling the mind and getting it very present and still. I explain how and why infrared heat works a while back. I find a power yoga class works best in the mornings and the best temperature is about 30C. Be aware: this kind of hot yoga is NOT Bikram yoga, which I find waaaaay too aggressive for anxious types.
Rating: 8 out of 10
3. Infrared saunas
As above, infrared heat is a boon for frazzle. On bad days I just go and sit in one. The stillness, the silence, the warmth, the healing at a cellular level…it just does its thing. I mention my favourite places here…but will Google “infrared sauna near me” in any city I am in when travelling. Do the same!
Rating: 8.5 out of 10
4. Thai Massage
I explain my love of it here. As I write in The Beast:
Rating: 7 out of 10
5. Meditation
Non-negotiable as a daily practice. Again, it’s a responsibility to get down low and slow in a mindful state every day. I share details of the style I do here.
Rating: 10 out of 10 (as an ongoing commitment, not a quick fix)
6. Magnesium
Yep, this stuff works. It’s a mineral our bodies require for a number of reasons, such as blood sugar control and nerve function, and some research shows it helps with sleep. I take Magnesium Citrate every night – it’s a composition that works for me to sleep, and also deal with restless legs. Plus, due to vagal nerve issues (linked to anxiety), I have terrible problems activating paralstalis (ie I get constipated; common among chronically anxious types). This citrate combo helps with this, too. Watch out for magnesium chelate. It will make you poo tooooo much.
Rating: 7 out of 10
Any other natural techniques/fixes you recommend?
