6 Tips To Help Manage Anxiety
In this day and age, it is safe to think that we have all, at one time or another, experienced stress or anxiety. It can feel overwhelming and make you feel powerless. I know this for a fact first hand. In honor of #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, here are a few tips to help you cope in a mindful, loving way. Some may surprise you!
CBD
Many clinical studies demonstrate that CBD (cannabidiol) help in reducing anxiety and general stress. It also reduces pain and improves sleep. My absolute favorite CBD brand is Flora & Bast. Their Relief Potion is a CBD oil that can be take orally or topically. It gives your mind and body a break by addressing the root of pain. Their Relief Gummies contain CBN, a compound similar to but much weaker than THC. CBN promotes calm, reduces anxiety and boots sleep patterns.
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“These magical herbs give you jitters-free energy, aid focus and invite calm.”
SWITCH OUT CAFFEINE FOR ADAPTOGENS
Yep, caffeine can exacerbate anxiety. Caffeine doesn’t really cause anxiety per se. It is a psychostimulant that causes effects similar to the symptoms of anxiety. This is why, if you are on the anxious side, caffeine may not be the best thing for you. Try adaptogens instead! These magical herbs give you jitters-free energy, aid focus and invite calm. Pique Life’s Chaga Energy Elixir is my go-to. Sakara also has Nootropic Chocolates to energize and help you focus.
Pique Life offers you 5% off when using code “KIMKLEAN”. Click here to redeem the offer.
Sakara offers you 20% off your 1st order with code “XOKIMKLEAN”. Click here to redeem the offer.
“Practicing gratitude rewires the brain and focuses on positive thoughts.”
PRACTICING GRATITUDE
Anxiety can bring a feeling of insecurity, of being inadequate. Practicing gratitude rewires the brain and focuses on positive thoughts which can then reduce anxiety. Deepak Chopra, an expert in the field of mind-body healing says, “The main thing to do at the end of the day is to write in a gratitude journal all the things that you are grateful for that happened that day. You will invite even more abundance into your life.” There are several gratitude journals to guide you in this practice.
MOVE IT!!
Emotions are energy moving through your body, so Move Your Body! Physical activity is known to be a mood lifter. Playing sports releases endorphins, the “feel good” hormones, which give an impression of euphoria. Running, yoga, walk in nature are all good sports to help manage anxiety. And so is dancing! So blast your favorite tune and dance like nobody's watching! I swear a laugh will come out of your mouth without you even expecting it. My favorite “at home workout” that always kicks my butt and makes me smile is The Sculpt Society by Megan Roup. Her energy is always positive and highly contagious!
“This light can cause sleep disturbances, irritability, anxiety and sometimes even depression.”
PUT YOUR PHONE AWAY IN THE EVENING
The blue light emitted from screens, aka your cellphone, visibly affects your skin - premature aging - but also affects your mental health in a more sneaky way. This light can cause sleep disturbances, irritability, anxiety and sometimes even depression. Not to mention the anxiety that can arise from comparing your life to the “online” lives of strangers. Personally, I put my cell phone in “Night Shift” mode from 8pm to 8am and try to avoid social media 2 hours before going to bed. And honestly, I see a difference with this simple adjustment.
AROMATHERAPY
Essential oils are known for their calming benefits. Here is a simple little guide for you. Citruses (lemon, pink grapefruit, orange) are like big rays of sunshine! They are invigorating and bring happiness. Flowers (rose, geranium, orange blossom) offer you emotional support. They soothe the heart and mind and invite love. Roots (vetiver, spikenard) ground you and bring a feeling of balance and stability. Inhalation is the fastest way for your body to assimilate the molecules of essential oils. So open up the bottle of your favorite oil and take a deep breath!
In my experience, anxiety does not happen “out of nowhere”, but rather is a way our body uses to signal us that something needs to be addressed. So I invite you to really do some introspection, look inwards and understand the source of your anxiety. I hope these few tips will be of great help to you!
Kim xoxo
Adaptogenic Magic
Adaptogens… here’s a word you’ve most likely come across frequently on wellness blogs. A word that seems familiar yet maybe leaves you feeling like a deer in headlights? What the heck are adaptogens?! Well, simply put, adaptogens are plants and herbs that help your body adapt to modern life stressors. Let’s dig a little deeper!
“In today’s world, your phone, your boss, the traffic on your way to work, etc. can create this never-ending impression of “danger” and make your adrenal gland secrete too much cortisol.”
Adaptogens have an effect on the release of cortisol, the stress hormone that puts your body into fight or flight mode. Cortisol is very important in life or death situations, but when your body constantly feels threatened, your immune system starts to go down. In today’s world, your phone, your boss, the traffic on your way to work, etc. can create this never-ending impression of “danger” and make your adrenal gland secrete too much cortisol. This is where adaptogens intervene! There are two main types of adaptogens. The ones that calm you, help you relax after an intense work day and ease into a restful night. The ones that give you energy, help you focus and accomplish the tasks at hand.
“This superfood promotes positive energy and even helps with PMS and menopause!”
ENERGIZING
Ginseng is a root that has the wonderful ability to improve stamina as well as mental and emotional stress. Ginseng is one of the most famous Chinese herbs used as a tonic, a stimulant and even as a male aphrodisiac! Ginseng is a promoter of vitality!
Chaga, or “Diamond Of The Forest”, is a mushroom that, unlike most mushrooms, grows on living trees making it dense in nutrients. It is known to be rich in antioxidants, to support your immune system and your overall well-being. This superfood is a tonic, simulates brain functions and eases anxiety making it the perfect adaptogen to help you remain focused throughout the day.
Maca is a Peruvian root that provides sustained energy throughout the day. It is famously known to increase libido for both men and women. This superfood promotes positive energy and even helps with PMS and menopause! All around, it is a tonic, a hormone balancer and an aphrodisiac… SOLD!!
“It is used to help combat anxiety and chronic stress.”
CALMING
Ashwagandha is used a lot in Ayurveda (an ancient Indian medical system) and is considered the “Indian ginseng”. Ashwagandha is a tonic, it strengthens the nerves and is a mild sedative promoting a restful night. It is used to help combat anxiety and chronic stress. Some studies show that ashwagandha may also play a role in male fertility.
Reishi is another mushroom, very similar to Chaga, but offers a more calming effect to the body. It helps you manage stress and anxiety and improves your mood and well-being. At the same time, Reishi nourishes the brain and helps you stay focused. It is packed with antioxidants and supports a healthy immune system.
“Three Spirit […] specializes in functional non-alcoholic cocktails to give you the energy to be the life of the party or to help you unwind and relax at the end of the day.”
Powders and supplements are the most common ways to add adaptogens to your lifestyle. Moon Juice has MANY different types of adaptogenic “DUST” and capsules to enhance your mood, your energy levels, your brain functions, your sleep, your libido and much more!
Teas and infusions are also a great way to incorportate adaptogens. *Pique Life’s Chaga Energy Elixir is one of my favorite. It also contains ginseng, has an earthy and sweet taste and is triple toxin screened for maximal purity! It provides a calm energy, helps with focus and supports your immune system. Coffee alternatives are also very popular. MUD\WTR keeps the brain fog and jitters away and replaces them with a focused energy. Many other adaptogenic beverages are on the market these days. Recess, for example, is an adaptogen infused sparkling water brand. You also have Three Spirit that specializes in functional non-alcoholic cocktails to give you the energy to be the life of the party or to help you unwind and relax at the end of the day.
“The beauty world loves adaptogens too! They have the same benefits for your skin as for your body.”
The beauty world loves adaptogens too! They have the same benefits for your skin as for your body. They calm inflamed and irritated skin, reduce redness and swelling and brighten your complexion with their antioxidants. Youth To The People's Adaptogen Soothe + Hydrate Activated Mist and Biophile's Bio-Shroom Rejuvenating Serum are the perfect adaptogenic duo for the face. Your skin becomes smooth and radiant!
All in all, adaptogens are here to support you. Their purpose is to make your life easy and stress free. Whether your calming ritual is sipping on a cup of hot tea or applying your skincare routine, the results can be amplified with adaptogens. The options are plentiful! So enjoy!
Kim
xoxo
*Pique Life offers you 5% off sitewide with code “KIMKLEAN”. Enjoy!