Written by: Angela Ward BA(Hons), MSc, MGHT, MGLT, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Feeling anxious occasionally is normal. Just before a driving test, going on stage to talk, presenting at a work meeting and meeting new people for the first time, can all cause that anxious uneasiness within us. We feel unbalanced, butterflies in the tummy, and our mind can go into overdrive.
However, if you suffer with anxiety often, it can hinder your ability to feel joy in your life.
According to the Mental Health Foundation, anxiety more than one in 20 of us suffer with anxiety disorder (published 8th July 2021). Although It is psychological, it can also affect your physical state.
I would imagine that there has been a rapid increase in people being diagnosed with anxiety because of the environmental factors associated with the pandemic. For 2.5 years the world has been living in a state of fear. Fear of getting sick, fear of loosing their livelihood and fear of becoming homeless. This in itself would be enough to cause anyone to have a constant feeling of dread and fearing the worst. The lockdowns isolated individuals which meant that people started to feel detached from the world and themselves, another symptom of anxiety.
A UK government report into the health and well-being of the population found that during April and October 2020, citing a study in the Lancet, referenced below, ' that adults with pre-existing mental health conditions were more likely to report steady deterioration or very poor mental health between April and October 2020 than adults without.
It also suggests the proportion of adults aged 18 and over reporting a clinically significant level of psychological distress increased from 20.8% in 2019 to 29.5% in April 2020, then falling back to 21.3% by September 2020.'
It goes on to say 'there was a subsequent increase to 27.1% in January 2021, followed by a further decrease to 24.5% in late March 2021. This has been broadly corroborated by other studies also looking at anxiety, depressive symptoms, loneliness, sleep and stress.'
Even more now than ever, 95% of my clients are living with anxiety due to the pandemic. Or have developed anxiety which has then exacerbated other issues. This is because their belief system has been desecrated because they have learned more about the world they live in, in such a short space of time. No longer shielded in their beliefs, they are in cognitive dissonance.
They most common symptoms that they are reporting to me is that they;
have lost their purpose
feel unbalanced
feel fearful
can't sleep
feel depressed
feel lost
lost their appetite
brain fog
lost their zest for life
feel constantly anxious
Prescription drugs
Photo by Myriam Zilles on Unsplash
In 2017, the minister for public health commissioned Public Health England to identify the scale, distribution and causes of prescription drug dependence, and what might be done to address it. The review covered adults (aged 18 and over) and 5 classes of medicines:
benzodiazepines (mostly prescribed for anxiety) – 1.4 million people were prescribed this during 2017 & 2018
z-drugs (sleeping tablets with effects similar to benzodiazepines) – 1 million people were prescribed this during 2017 & 2018
gabapentin and pregabalin (together called gabapentinoids and used to treat epilepsy, neuropathic pain and, in the case of pregabalin, anxiety) 1.5 million people were prescribed this during 2017 & 2018
opioids for chronic non-cancer pain – 5.6 million people were prescribed this during 2017 & 2018
antidepressants 7.3 million people were prescribed this during 2017 & 2018
In England in the year 2017 to 2018, 1-in-4 adults in England were prescribed benzodiazepines, z-drugs, gabapentinoids, opioids for chronic non-cancer pain, or antidepressants. Each of these prescription drugs will have adverse side effects, including drug addiction.
The cost of prescription items dispensed in the community in England during 2020/2021 was £9.61 billion, a 3.49% increase of £324 million from £9.28 billion in 2019/20
Sertraline 100mg tablets, prescribed for anxiety and depression, was the presentation with the largest absolute increase in cost between 2019/20 and 2020/21 of £78.9 million, from £21.0 million to £99.9 million.
Managing Anxiety
Photo by Uday Mittal on Unsplash
Living with anxiety can be tough, as it affects your self-esteem, confidence, trusting of others and yourself. You live in this constant state of fear, and fight or flight.
As humans we have been conditioned to want to control every aspect of our life. We find it difficult to let go and ride the waves, so to speak. We are constantly looking for external validation, and if there isn't a touch point to validate our thoughts and feelings, if there is nothing tangible, it will exacerbate the symptoms.
There are things that you can do to help you manage the symptoms and eventually take back control. As mentioned in the prescription drugs section of this article, each of the drugs will have side effects. If you are taking prescription drugs familiarise yourself of the side effects. You need to distinguish between symptoms brought on by living with anxiety and the effects of the drugs. Secondly, make a habit of doing something every day that takes your mind off your problems. If exercise and meditation isn't your thing, listen to music, dance to music like no-one is watching, take the dog out for a walk if you have one, do some gardening, or read a novel. Whatever you choose, choose to do something.
It is also important to be kind to yourself. The mind has a way of berating you if things look shaky. Don't listen to it. When you are feeling overwhelmed, try the square breath meditation. It gets you focused, quietens your mind, will bring down your heart rate and control your breathing.
It's also important that you increase your vitamin intake. Anxiety is reported to deplete magnesium, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C.
Eastern alternative views and the power of healing
Your mind runs the show
Louise Hay has been seen as an authority on using the mind to heal the body and has written extensively about how mental patterns create disease in the body. The work of Dr Joe Dispenza, also uses the same philosophy and with the power of meditation, tapping into the subconscious mind, you can heal disease. Meta health, quantum healing, energy healing and Kinesiology, have all become popular modalities in the 21st century.
According to Louise Hay, anxiety is 'not trusting the flow and process of life'.
To heal, you must get to the route of the problem.
The study of Epigenetics shows that it is not just our genes that determine our health, but also our environment and what we eat.
Our Internal Energy System – the Root Chakra
In my book Reclaim your personal power I have a whole section on the spiritual energy system that is known as the Chakras. The concept of the chakras originated in Hindu culture and are within the main Indian yogic teachings and Reiki & Crystals therapy teaching.
The chakra called the Root Chakra or Muladhara is based at the bottom of the spine where the coccyx sits. It works with the adrenal glands. The adrenals are a pair and sit just at the top of your kidneys. As its name, this gland produces adrenalin and noradrenalin. The production of adrenalin is used by the body to get the heart beating faster, so that more blood can enter the muscles so that you can run. The liver also makes extra glucose at the same time so that your cells are full of energy. It’s typically known as the fight or flight hormone.
The root chakra represents our foundation, our confidence in who we are and who we trust. It’s the element of earth. It is the colour red.
If you know about Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs, this is the first level physiologically in Chakra terms. It’s very much related to our survival instincts and our sense of grounding. When we are anxious, all our internal energy is in our head. Grounding helps to redistribute the energy through the body. When we are grounded, we are at one with life. We are also able to dispel negative frequencies/emotions from past experiences into mother earth.
When we are born, we are living in accordance with the root chakra, and we are governed by this until we are 7 years of age. This is the most crucial ages for children when they are learning about the world and stability and when the belief systems start to form. At the age of 50, we return to the root, after a series of cycles through the other 7. It’s at this point when some people are labelled as having a mid-life crisis but what’s happening in the root chakra is out of balance.
The root chakra also has a connect to the skeletal structure and if unbalanced physical issues such as osteoarthritis can occur. Other symptoms include constipation, anaemia, fatigue, lower back pain, sciatica, frequent cold and cold hands and feet, anxiety.
If the root chakra is over performing it tips you into its negative side. These negative aspects can be played out in being violent, angry, greedy, self-centred, destructive, impatient and competitive.
Getting the balance allows you to be more bold, courageous, clear, direct, dynamic, spontaneous and self-reliant. You’ll lean towards being you more naturally and your life lesson here is about standing up for yourself.
When any chakra is blocked or over stimulated, it will have an effect on the others. So balancing all chakras should be the main aim.
Essential oils and aromatherapy
Essential oils are natures remedies to so many medical issues. They can be used topically (directly onto the skin) orally (ingest them) and through inhaling them. Not only do they have medicinal properties such as analgesic, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, anti-virus and antibacterial, but they also work with the emotions.
Essential oils are taken from plants, leaves, stems, the rind, bark, sap, and the flower.
They work by entering the blood stream, circulating around the body into the organs and then released out through the breath, or the kidneys and urine. What makes them so different from chemical-based medicines is that they can penetrate the cell membrane and kill a virus.
Essential oils have a much smaller molecular weight than carrier oils and therefore pass through the skin with ease.
Crystals
Photo by Chandra Oh on Unsplash
Crystals are minerals formed underground from three-dimensional repeating patterns of atoms. A crystal's appearance depends upon the natural characteristics of its type and the conditions in which it grows. Some take on strange shapes, some are very small, and others grow very large, developing over thousands of years.
The repeating chemical structure of crystals is said to invest them with a kind of memory. This means that crystals have the power to hold energies.
I’ve been working with crystals for over 5 years now and have found them to be powerful in helping dispel negativity, bring balance and grounding, and open the heart from previous emotional stresses. I'm a certified crystal therapist
Daily plan for managing anxiety
Photo by Calista Tee on Unsplash
Daily Healing meditation – using the mind to heal the body
Daily Affirmations – bringing the mind and body together
Essentials oils – for calming the mind, relaxing the body, helping with sleep and balancing the Root Chakra.
Nutrition – to boost the immune system, nourish the body and help with the symptoms of anxiety.
Fluids – to cleanse the mind
Crystals to balance the root chakra and help calm the mind.
1. Daily healing meditation
This meditation is primarily based on balancing all chakras. It takes around 15 minutes, every morning.
You can get access to the meditation when you purchase the book, Reclaim your personal power. Here is the amazon link. Amazon.co.uk: reclaim your personal power angela ward
2. Daily affirmations
Say this mantra as often as you can – daily.
I love and approve of myself, and I trust the process of life. I am safe.
3. Essential Oils
I've chosen essential oils that will help with anxiety, sleep and grounding.
You can buy all of these oils by visiting my shop.
Here is the link. https://www.mydoterra.com/angelaward12/
Lavender
Remedial against
Depression, headaches, mental fatigue, PMT, shock.
It’s spiritually calming, cleansing and balancing
Clary Sage
Remedial against
Hormone balancer good for menopause as it regulates oestrogen levels.
Fights anxiety and insomnia and lowers the stress hormone cortisol
Serenity
Remedial for
Sleep. Helps you have a deep rested sleep.
Hope
Creates a sense of calmness and contentment
Brings you back to centre, inspires confidence and create feelings of comfort.
Patchouli , Myrrh or Cedarwood
Remedial for
Helps balance and ground the root chakra, bringing a sense of connection to self.
4. Nutrition – Foods to heal the body.
In his book, Life Changing Foods, Anthony Williams talks about the 4 key aspects to heal the body using the natural healing powers in fruit, vegetables and herbs and spices. Firstly, you look at the condition that you have, followed by the symptoms. But what’s lovely about this book is that is outlines a spiritual lesson that the food provides and the emotional healing.
Here are the healing foods that help with anxiety.
Apples
Avocado's
Bananas
Berries
Cherries
Cranberries
Dates
Lemon/Limes
Mango's
Melons
Oranges/Tangerines
Asparagus
Celery
Coniferous veggies
Cucumber
Leafy greens
Potatoes
Sprouts & Microgreens
Ginger
Lemon Balm
Parsley
Turmeric
Seaweeds
Coconut
Nettle leaf
Foods to avoid if anxiety is present.
Coriander
Wheat
Canula oil
Anything that says natural flavours as it's actually MSG.
You will still need to ensure that you are eating a balanced diet and the aim is to introduce the above foods into your everyday nutrition. Be mindful of foods that are high on the glycaemic index and those containing refined carbs.
5. Fluids
Ginger Tea (Ginger root steeped in hot water)
Lemon slices in hot/cold water (allow the lemons to steep)
Lime slice in hot/cold water (allow the limes to steep before drinking)
Nettle Leaf tea
Smoothies containing the fruits
Put the fruits and veggies through a juicer.
Camomile tea
Good old fashioned water ad at least 1.5 litres a day.
Elixir made from the crystals – Do not put crystals directly into the water as they will be toxic to the body. Watch this video to see how to make an elixir. https://youtu.be/ZBt8jU8Vf1U
6. Crystals
Here are 5 crystals that are good for anxiety.
Rhodonite
This crystal nurtures love and is an emotional balancer by showing both sides of the issue. It heals emotional shock and panic and is beneficial in cases of emotional self-destruction, co-dependency, and abuse. It promotes calm, unselfish self-love and forgiveness, can be used in past life healing to help with matters of betrayal and abandonment and stimulates fertility. It can be used for inflammation of the joints, stomach ulcers, multiple sclerosis, and emphysema.
Blue lace Agate
I love this crystal as it has the most calming effect on me. It’s known to bring peace of mind, allows free expression of thoughts and feelings. It’s very nurturing and supporting and neutralizes anger, infection, inflammation and fever. It counteracts blocked self-expression, releases shoulder and neck problems, thyroid deficiencies, removes blockages of the nervous systems and counteracts mental stress.
Sodalite
Unites logic with intuition. It instils a drive for truth and an urge towards idealism, making it possible to remain true to yourself and stand up for your beliefs. It brings harmony and solidarity in group work, eliminates mental confusion and calms the mind. It encourages rational though and truth and release core fears, phobia, guilt and control mechanisms that hold you back.
Red Jasper
The red jasper is also known as the supreme nurturer. It sustains and supports you in times of stress. It provides protection and grounds energies. The red jasper works slowly and helps to bring problems to light before they become an issue. It is known to reenergize the body, cleanse and stabilize the aura, calm emotions and supports circulatory, digestive and the sexual organs. It also reminds us to help each other.
Rose Quartz
This crystal purifies the heart at all levels, brings deep inner healing and self-love. It brings unconditional love and infinite peace. It gently draws off negative energy and replaces it with loving vibes. Is excellent for a mid-life crisis, helps to release unexpressed emotions and heartache.
It opens the heart to become receptive to love. It encourages self-forgiveness, acceptance self-trust and self-worth. In existing relationships, it helps to restore trust and harmony.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical expert, and you should always seek medical advice from your GP. The advice in this article should be used to compliment western medicine.
Angela Ward BA(Hons), MSc, MGHT, MGLT, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Angela Ward, is a leader in spiritual coaching, spiritual development, and personal growth. Her own spiritual journey started back in 2005, after the death of her mother when the message became loud and clear. 'Being true to yourself is the only priority – the rest will follow. In 2012 she set up a consultancy company; a hybrid of management consultancy and spiritual coaching. The aim: is to help people connect with their spiritual self, to find balance, harmony, and resilience, so they too can have authentic happiness. She runs retreats, coaching programmes, and workshops. She is the founder and CEO of the Holistic Therapy, Wellness, and Training Centre. Her mission is to light up the world, one person at a time.
References:
COVID-19 mental health and wellbeing surveillance: report - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Pierce, Matthias and McManus, Sally and Hope, Holly and Hotopf, Matthew and Ford, Tamsin and Hatch, Stephani and John, Ann and Kontopantelis, Evangelos and Webb, Roger T. and Wessely, Simon and Abel, Kathryn, Different Mental Health Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Latent Class Trajectory Analysis Using Longitudinal UK Data. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3784647 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3784647http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7013e2
Prescription Cost Analysis, England 2016 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The Crystal Bible – Judy Hall
The Chakra Bible – Patricia Mercier
Food that harm and food that heal – Readers Digest
Medical Medium, Life changing foods, Anthony Williams
Reclaim your personal power – Angela Ward
