Let's Talk About Anxiety

Hello Friends!!

Welcome to another a week on the Wellness Corner with Cassandra. This week I felt that it was crucial to talk about anxiety. In the last couple of weeks, more closures have started to occur, more individuals are working from home, and school-aged children are continuing distant learning for the coming school year.  As our lifestyles are changed daily, it can cause some fear and worry to arise.  Uncertainty is not an easy thing to come to terms with, and many are struggling alone and in silence.  Some are going to great extremes to take precautions to maintain their health, at the cost of their sanity.  Fear is on the rise and keeping people isolated and afraid.  The fear of spreading and contracting COVID-19 has many worried and feeling helpless. And for those that may not be feeling helpless, the anticipation of what is to come can be exceptionally stressful.

Anxiety Defined

According to Merriam-Webster.com, anxiety is “an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physical signs.” It is also defined as self-doubting with concerns of reality, and one’s capacity to cope. Anxiety can give an overwhelming sense of hopelessness, causing one to feel as though they lack control of their emotions or feelings. And because we are enduring so much in these times, these emotions can come weekly and even daily.  Emotions that are not being discussed can become buried in overachieving at work, or having the opposite feeling of fatigue, lack of energy, and motivation. Wherever you stand in these emotions, you are not alone. 

Quick Check-in questions for yourself

Hey friends, try answering a few of these questions to check in on your emotions in your free time.

• Have I left the house in the last week?
• Have I gone on a walk to check the mail or walk the neighborhood?
• Have I had more than three negative thoughts about the future today?
• Have I talked to anyone today, outside of work or school?

Things you can do

Here are a few healthy ways to improve anxiety levels

1. Prayer and meditation
2. Make sure you are getting a full night’s rest.
3. Play calming music, or download a calming app
4. Keep caffeine and alcohol consumption down in the afternoon.
5. Speak encouraging words out loud
6. Eat Healthy and exercise
7. Remove toxicity from your life
8. Breathe
9. Keep a positive outlook
10. Talk about your concerns
11. Seek professional help when needed

We will get through this

Stay encouraged through these times, friends! Have faith that we will see better days.  If your anxiety persists or if your anxious feelings last weeks at a time without improving, I suggest seeing a medical provider or licensed counselor.  Pay attention to your body.  And never be afraid to get the extra help you may need! 

Bell Peppers have been linked to helping with anxiety. Here is an easy stir fry recipe.

Bell Pepper Stir Fry

One green Bell Pepper

1 yellow Bell Pepper

1 red Bell Pepper

1 tablespoon Olive Oil

¼ of a whole brown onion

1 teaspoon garlic salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 clove garlic minced

Slice the green, yellow, and red bell peppers. Next, slice the onion. Add Olive oil to your skillet and allow the oil to warm.  Add minced garlic to the skillet, and stir. Next, add sliced bell peppers and onions. Lastly, add garlic salt and black pepper.  Stir again. Allow the mixture to cook for 7 to 10 minutes.  Once the peppers are at your desired consistency, remove from heat, add to the plate, and enjoy.

Self-Care with Ajaba Naturals

 I suggest trying the Ajaba Naturals Lavender & Chamomile body oil.  Though it was formulated with children in mind, it is a helpful relaxation oil for adults.  I recommend applying the oil to the back of your neck, arms, and belly right before bedtime after a warm shower or bath. As the oils work into your skin, find a quiet place where you can get comfortable and lay your head.  Take deep breaths and allow all the stress of the day to clear from your mind and thoughts.  Intake the scent of lavender, close your eyes and rest.  Repeat this as many times as you may need during the week to help relax. I strongly suggest purchasing an Ajaba Naturals Candle in any of their beautiful scents to create an even more relaxing environment.  I am in love with how elegant they look and how great the smells make me feel!

Thank you for joining me another week on the Wellness Corner with Cassandra, and I will see you next week!