Have you experienced an increase in anxiety? Is anxiety your norm?
Anxiety is an experience that should not be ignored, and when a person regularly feels disproportionate levels of anxiety, it has the potential to become a medical disorder that can be toxic to your body as well as your sense of well-being. Anxiety can be caused by various factors, including stress from work, school, personal relationships, emotional trauma, financial concerns, and stress caused by a chronic or serious medical condition. We often assume anxiety is caused by one major event, but often ignore the truth that anxiety can also be caused by an ongoing build-up of smaller stressful life situations. Some research has explored the interesting perspective that certain personality types may also play a role in the development of experiencing anxiety. Sometimes anxiety results from a medical condition that needs treatment.
Anxiety is not always related to an underlying condition; stress caused by a chronic or serious medical condition and the side effects of certain medications, alcohol consumption or even a lack of oxygen may contribute to experiencing a sense of anxiety.
Holistic?
Inclusive.
A holistic approach to anxiety involves addressing the issue from multiple angles, including physical, emotional, and environmental factors. Some ways to take a holistic approach to anxiety include paying attention to your emotions and triggers, asking questions about your thoughts and beliefs, taking care of your body through exercise and nutrition, practising relaxation techniques such as mindfulness meditation or deep breathing, creating a calm and peaceful environment, and talking about your feelings with a trusted friend or therapist.
There are also natural treatments for anxiety that can be used alongside conventional treatments such as therapy or medication. These include nutritional and herbal supplements such as magnesium which have shown some effectiveness in reducing anxiety.
The power of magnesium to combat anxiety
One of the most abundant minerals in the body, magnesium plays an important role in a number of bodily functions and has a number of health benefits. In addition to these benefits, magnesium may be helpful as a natural treatment for anxiety. While further studies are needed, there is research to suggest magnesium may help fight anxiety.
According to a 2017 review that looked at 18 different studies, magnesium did reduce anxiety. These studies looked at mild anxiety, anxiety during premenstrual syndrome, post-partum anxiety, and generalised anxiety. The studies were based on self-reports, so the results are subjective. The review stated that further, controlled trials are needed to confirm this finding.
One of the reasons why magnesium might help reduce anxiety is that it may improve brain function. Research shows that magnesium plays an important role in regulating neurotransmitters, which send messages throughout the brain and body. This is how magnesium plays a role in neurological health. Research has found that magnesium may help with brain functions that reduce stress and anxiety. It is believed to affect a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which helps regulate the pituitary and adrenal glands. These glands are responsible for your response to stress.
Need more info about managing anxiety and stress holistically?
Would you like more information on how to address anxiety, walk through triggers and embrace a more optimised way of living? Send an email through to connect@madetothrive.co.za for more info, or deep dive into some of my potent free resources and power-packed interviews on The Made To Thrive Show podcast.
