Holistic, Complimentary Anxiety Support
I work with a lot of clients who struggle with anxiety, and I have battled it myself since I was a kid. For the last 10+ years, I have tried many different ways to manage my anxiety, but a few have worked so well that I recommend them to my clients. All of these can work wonderfully to complement any medications you are currently taking for your anxiety as well as on their own if you do not currently use any prescriptions:
stock photo by Le Minh Phuong
mindfulness: Meditation is hard, especially when you are anxious, but the regular practice of deepening the breath, focusing on it, noticing when it’s difficult, and bringing yourself back to the moment can be transformational in managing acute moments of anxiety.
crystals: Crystals are wildly varied in their attributes, and there are some that are particularly useful for anxiety. I use stones like lepidolite, amethyst, pink tourmaline (rubellite), and rose quartz to help with anxious feelings and with sleep. I recommend them to my clients and use them myself. They are most helpful if they are touching your skin (especially lepidolite), but they will still support if you keep them nearby. I keep mine in my pocket, tuck them in my bra, wear them as jewelry, and keep them next to my bed. Grounding stones like shungite and black tourmaline can be helpful as well, as they bring you back into your body, into the present moment. Fluorite offers protection and mental clarity, which can help bring you out of any stories that are contributing to your anxiety.
aromatherapy: Lavender, bergamot, and magnolia all contain a powerful chemical called linalool that can help with feelings of stress or anxiety. Diffusing these oils into the air or wearing them can help you feel more relaxed. I roll lavender oil onto the bottoms of my feet and my chest at night to help calm me after stressful days so that I can rest. Clary sage is a wonderful oil that contains linalyl acetate, making it a powerful essential oil to use for relaxation and sleep. Another lovely oil is Roman chamomile, which can be diffused, rubbed on the bottoms of your feet, or added to tea to help you relax. While none of these oils is considered inherently unsafe for pets, if you diffuse oils in your home, make sure the oils you use are pet-safe.
Reiki: Regular Reiki sessions offer healing energy to places and issues you might not even be aware of. Because Reiki energy transcends time and space, it can help heal past traumas and help you let go of deeply-held stories, both of which can lead to worries and fears in the present. As a practitioner, I offer Reiki for my clients’ highest good, but I don’t have to know that that is: the energy knows where to go. Many of my clients have noticed profound shifts in their sleep and their day-to-day experience of anxiety after just a few Reiki sessions.
photo by Casey Kelly
While I am not recommending that anyone quit taking any medication or avoid seeking the help of Western medicine, these alternative methods of addressing your anxiety can help your anxiety attacks be fewer and less severe and your overall life feel more manageable. They can give you tools and strategies you can use day to day to empower yourself and to feel more in control. Consider making an appointment for Reiki, crystal healing, or empowerment coaching to support you as you work to lessen the hold that anxiety has over your life.
