Social Anxiety and the Mind/Body Connection

Social Anxiety, like all the various forms of anxiety, is not just "all in your imagination." There are very real, physical changes in the brain and, therefore, the rest of your body. The newest technology and research studies show clearly the mind/body connection. Things happen in our lives, we react, a change happens in the brain and triggers physiological effects. The reverse is also true. There are changes in the brain, triggering physiological effects, but those brain changes also change how we view what is happening in our lives and, therefore, our reactions. The mind/body connection is a two-way street. This is why the old adage, "fake it 'til you make it," is popular. It holds true in many ways. By creating a consistent pattern of behaviors, we can help our brain to create new pathways, creating new ways of thinking, feeling and responding to the world around us.

Those with Social Anxiety or any other anxiety condition, may need medication at times. However, many with anxiety find they can obtain quite a bit of relief, if not complete reduction of their symptoms, through various non-medical means, such as hypnosis, visualization, EFT, mind-mapping, energy work, homeopathy, vibrational essences and healing work.

If you have any questions about anxiety issues or any other issue, or want to know how holistic techniques can help you or your loved ones, feel free to ask here, or through a private message.

Exercise helps manage stress and anxiety

 

Some form of exercise is a wonderful way to manage stress and anxiety. The increase in hormones that benefit you, the decrease in hormones that hurt you over time, and the movement of stagnant energy and release of muscle tension all combine to make exercise an important part of any non-medical stress and anxiety management program.

For those who also deal with chronic pain, the questions quickly line up: Which types of exercise can I actually do? How can I prepare for exercise so I'm not out of commission for days afterward? How do I even begin?

Even those for whom chronic pain isn't a daily issue, beginning an exercise program of any type is something to think about carefully. It is all too easy to over do it, or choose a type of exercise not suited for you, and then give up due to pain, exhaustion or frustration.

Someone versed in a variety of non-medical management modalities and familiar with biology and anatomy can help you through this process. My background is a bit unusual for so-called alternative medicine practitioners in that not only did my two year training program in Clinical Hypnotherapy include such courses as Anatomy & Physiology, Pathophysiology and Psychology, but my background in the core sciences through my early interests and my original college major of Chemical Engineering, make me rather suited to combine these understandings. I plan to address this issue in more depth at a later time, although I certainly welcome any questions or comments!

#stress   #exercise   #anxiety

Image courtesy of cbenjasuwan at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

A To-Do List That Reduces Stress

Original post date February 11, 2013 - Today I read a post that contains a perfect prescription for reducing stress (which then reduces pain, fear, anxiety, etc.)

"My To-Do List for Today:
- Count my blessings
- Practice kindness
- Let go of what I can't control
- Listen to my heart
- Be productive yet calm
- Just breathe"

Which of these speak to you?

Each of these items can make a significant difference in the level of harmful stress that you feel. I try to find something, even something small, every day for which to be grateful. I try to be kind to others, but often have to remember to be kind to myself. Letting go of what I cannot control is a continuing life lesson. However, each tiny step I take to include these in my life each day chips away at the level of stress I feel and reduces the damage that continued stress does to my body.

I've put this on my computer as my wallpaper to have a regular reminder of this to-do list. How will you strive to remember one or more of these each day?