Our bodies are AMAZING! They know how to heal, how to survive, how to thrive. But sometimes, the mind and body gets stuck in a repeating loop of fear, dread and apprehension about a real or imagined situation, leading to an experience of anxiety.
The feeling of a racing heart, sweaty palms (and pits), rapid breathing, trembling and a fixation on the problem causing these symptoms, is a completely natural response, that has ensured the survival of the human race for millennia. We know it as the fight, flight or freeze response and is a survival mechanism when facing a sabre-tooth tiger or other life threatening situations. As soon as the incident has passed, adrenaline falls, and the mind and body feels safe. The problem arises when the body remains in this heightened state, unable to rest, relax and return to balance. And exam season for students can be a perfect example.
Some remedies from a first aid kit to consider include:
Aconite: for sudden anxiety, fear, panic. The mouth is dry, possibly tingling with a fast heart beat and fear of imminent death. They are worse at night, and better from being exposed to open air, and with rest.
Argent nit: has a fear of losing control, has anticipation anxiety eg flying, exams. They may be claustrophobic, and experience diarrhoea/ worry tummy. They are worse in enclosed spaces, in crowds, when warm and from eating too much sugar. They are better in the cool, open air, a cold bath and from movement.
Arsenicum album: is very restless. They are anxious about health, dirt, germs, money and feel that recovery is hopeless. They want everything just so, in the right place. They can be critical or controlling of others. They are worse from physical exertion, from being in the cold air, eating cold food or between 11pm and 2am. They are better from warm drinks, heat and company.
Gelsemium: also has anticipation anxiety that can leave them speechless, shaking, trembling and weak. They have a fear of crowds or open spaces and want nothing more than to be alone. They are worse from bad news or from thinking about being anxious. They are better in the afternoon, after peeing or from continued motion.
Lycopodium: lacks self-confidence and has a fear of failure. They may have a panic attack, a churning stomach with gas and bloating, and be angry and irritable. They can be anxious about their responsibilities or performance, and can take this out on others. They are worse from being alone, and better from walking in the open air.
The Bach essence Rescue Remedy can be an amazing emotional support during challenging times, reducing the feeling of panic and overwhelm, and is widely available in chemists, supermarkets and online. It can be taken as a spray or drop under the tongue, or added to a water bottle and sipped. It is also available as a pastille, gummies or even a cream.
Breath work such as box breathing (inhaling for a count of 4, holding for a count of 4, exhaling for a count of 4 and holding for a count of 4) or alternate nostril breathing (which can be done in any seated position, using whichever thumb/finger combination that feels comfortable to you) can help reduce feelings of angst and overwhelm when practiced regularly and/or in the moment. During the moment of overwhelm, some people find that standing with their back against the wall and trying to focus on five things they can see, four things they can hear and three things they can feel, can help bring them back into a feeling of safety and security.
Please let me know if these tips and tricks work for you. And if anxiety is a constant companion for you, or someone that you know, and these helpful tips are not quite enough, a more personalised homeopathic approach may benefit - you can book a free discovery call with me to explore how homeopathy could help.
