Pipeline Awareness

Learn How Nature Relieves Stress And Anxiety

Stress and anxiety – How does nature help with anxiety and stress?

Family enjoying nature. — Source: pexels.com

From the rustle of leaves underfoot to the soothing chorus of a forest, nature holds the key to unlocking a more peaceful, anxiety and stress-free existence. Join us as we delve into the different ways in which the natural world not only comforts but also heals, providing a refuge for the mind, body, and soul.

Nature Positive Benefits Useful For Stress And Mental Health Management

Have you ever wondered why a simple walk in the woods or a day spent by the seaside makes you feel so good? Well, there’s a whole lot of science behind it, and it’s pretty fascinating. Let’s break it down in simple, conversational terms.

The Psychological Aspect

First, let’s discuss the psychological effects of nature. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can significantly boost our mood, reduce stress levels, and reduce anxiety. It’s like spending time outdoors has its own special way of pressing the reset button on our brains.

There’s this term called ‘biophilia,’ which essentially means our innate love for spending time outdoors. This connection is hardwired into our brains. When we’re surrounded by greenery and natural spaces or landscapes, our mind instinctively relaxes. It’s like our brain recognizes an old friend and goes, “Ah, this feels right!”

The Physiological Aspect

Now, moving on to the physiological benefits – yes, spending time outdoors is good for our bodies, too! When we’re out and about in nature, our bodies tend to react positively. For instance:

Our heart rate might slow down
Our muscles relax
Our breathing deepens

All these changes signal to our body that we’re in a safe, calming environment, which triggers a decrease in stress hormones like cortisol levels. It’s nature’s way of telling our body, “Hey, chill out. Everything’s going to be okay.”

The Mental Aspect

Another cool thing is how nature impacts our attention and focus. Ever heard of ‘Attention Restoration Theory’? It suggests that natural environments have a restorative effect on our attention. Unlike the constant demands of city life or screen time that deplete our attention, spending time outdoors engages our minds effortlessly. It’s like giving our brain a well-deserved break, allowing it to recharge and get ready for whatever comes next.

Also, there’s something to be said about the sensory experiences in spending time outdoos. Nature’s sights, sounds, and smells can trigger positive neurological responses. Ever felt a sense of calm listening to a babbling brook or watching leaves flutter in the wind? That’s your brain responding to these sensory stimuli in a way that promotes relaxation and well-being. That explains why the hospital room helps patients get better, especially when the patients engage in outdoor experience sightseeing, even just the view from their hospital room window.

But in some degree of mental condition, it is vital to seek professional help. Certain phone calls and research wouldn’t hurt, especially if you are dealing with severe depression.

Spending Time Outdoors And Mindfulness

Let’s dive into how nature and mindfulness go hand in hand. In simple terms, mindfulness is all about being present in the moment, fully engaging with your surroundings without judgment. Now, imagine combining that with the beauty of nature. It’s like a match made in heaven!

When you’re out in nature, practicing mindfulness becomes almost second nature. It’s about soaking in every detail:

The way the leaves rustle in the wind
The patterns of light and shadow on the ground
The scent of the earth after a rain

These moments allow us to connect deeply with the environment and, in turn, ground us in the present.

According to researchers, practicing mindfulness in nature is not just about relaxation; it’s a powerful tool for stress reduction. Studies have shown that when we engage mindfully with nature, it can lower stress levels, improve our mood, and even boost our self-esteem. It’s like nature is reminding us to slow down, breathe, and appreciate the simple things in life.
Physical Activities In Nature For Stress Relief
Now, let’s talk about getting active in nature. Physical activity outdoors isn’t just good for your body; they’re fantastic for your mental health, too. Think about it – when was the last time you went for a walk in the park or a hike in the hills and didn’t feel a little better afterward?

Outdoor activities do wonders for reducing stress, whether it’s:

A brisk walk
A scenic hike
A bit of gardening
A swim in a natural body of water

The beauty of it is that you’re not just moving your body; you’re also absorbing the calming vibes of nature, which amplifies the stress-relieving benefit. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone!

Sensory Experiences With Outdoor Reduce Stress

Let’s not forget about the sensory experiences that nature offers. Nature is a sensory-rich environment, and each sense plays a role in how we perceive and enjoy it. Sensory experiences can have a profoundly calming effect on our minds, such as:

The vibrant colors of the flowers
The sound of waves crashing against the shore
The smell of pine trees in a forest

Visual beauty in nature can be awe-inspiring and give us a sense of perspective. It’s hard to feel stressed about your email inbox when you’re looking at a magnificent sunset or a vast mountain range.

The sounds of nature, like birds chirping or leaves rustling, can be incredibly soothing, almost like nature’s version of a stress-relief soundtrack. And let’s not forget about the smells – who doesn’t love the fresh scent of the outdoors?

Nature Therapy And Professional Approaches

Now, let us discuss nature therapy and how professionals are using the great outdoors to help people feel better mentally and emotionally. You might be thinking, “Nature therapy? What’s that all about?” Well, it’s pretty cool, actually.

Ecotherapy

Nature therapy, also known as ecotherapy, is the idea that being in nature isn’t just nice to do, but it can actually be a part of a therapeutic process. It’s like taking the healing power of nature and using it in a more structured way to help people deal with various mental health issues, stress, and even physical health concerns.

Environment helps relieve anxious feelings and emotions — Source: pexels.com

Forest Bathing

One popular form of nature therapy is ‘forest bathing,’ which comes from a Japanese concept called ‘shinrin-yoku.’ It basically involves being in the presence of trees and soaking in the forest atmosphere. It’s not about hiking or jogging but just being in the forest, appreciating it, and taking it all in. Studies have shown that this can:

Nature reduces stress hormone production
Improve feelings of happiness
Lower heart rate and blood pressure

Wilderness Therapy

Then there’s wilderness therapy, which is kind of like a more adventurous version of ecotherapy. It often involves guided outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or kayaking. The idea is to challenge individuals in a supportive, natural environment, helping them to:

Build self-confidence
Learn new skills
Work through personal issues

What’s fascinating about these approaches is how they’re not just about enjoying nature, but they use the environment as a tool for healing. It’s like having a therapist and Mother Nature working together.

People who undergo these therapies often report feeling more connected to nature and to themselves. They learn coping skills, develop a stronger sense of self, and often find clarity on issues they’ve been struggling with.

Stress Resilience And Recovery

Let’s dive into something truly amazing about nature: its role in building our resilience and aiding our recovery from life’s ups and downs. When we talk about resilience, we refer to our ability to bounce back from stress, adversity, and even trauma. And guess what? Nature can be a fantastic ally in this process.

Rejuvenation

Have you ever felt rejuvenated after spending time in nature? There’s a reason for that. Nature has this subtle yet powerful way of helping us regain our balance and perspective. When trees, mountains, or oceans surround you, your problems don’t feel as heavy. The environment gives us a sense of space and openness, which can be incredibly therapeutic.

Coping Mechanisms

But it’s not just about feeling good at the moment. Regularly spending time in the environment can actually change the way we handle stress in the long run. It’s like nature training for our brains! When we’re out in the natural world, dealing with the small challenges of a hike or simply navigating a new trail, we build our resilience muscles. We learn to adapt, to cope with unexpected situations, and to find joy in the journey.

Recovery

And when it comes to recovery, especially from mental fatigue or emotional stress, nature can be a game-changer. There’s something about the peace and quiet of a natural setting that allows us to process our thoughts and feelings more effectively. It’s as if the environment acts as a gentle, supportive friend who’s there to listen and help us through tough times.

Final Thoughts To Consider

As we draw this exploration to a close, it’s evident that the environment is not just a backdrop for our lives but a vital component of our mental well-being. The healing power of nature, with its gentle whispers and majestic presence, serves as a reminder of the beauty and simplicity life can offer. In turning towards nature, we find a path to resilience, peace, and a deeper connection with ourselves.

Whether it’s a walk in the park, a moment in a garden, or a journey into the wilderness, each step into the environment is a step towards inner calm. Let us not forget that in our search for peace and relief from stress, the answer often lies in the embrace of the natural world around us. So, step outside, take a deep breath, and let nature work its quiet magic on your soul.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Unlocking The Mental Health Benefits Of Mother Nature

Mental health - beneficial aspects of Nature to mental health — Source: pexels.com

The buzz of technology and the hustle of urban life dominate our daily experiences. The importance and benefits of nature in nurturing our mental well-being often remain an untold story. Mental health, a beneficial component of our overall well-being, transcends beyond the absence of psychological illness or disorders; it embodies emotional resilience, cognitive flexibility, and social connectedness.

This article explores the often-overlooked yet profound impact of nature connectedness on our mental health. From the rustling leaves that whisper calm to the serene landscapes that reset our busy minds, nature documentaries offer an oasis of tranquility in a fast-paced world. Let us find out how the simplicity of nature holds the key to complex psychological or mental health benefits, leading us to a more harmonious state of mind.

The Science Behind Nature And Psychological Health

Nature’s positive impact on our mental state isn’t just folklore; it’s a fact supported by an array of scientific studies and research. Understanding the mechanisms that underlie the positive effects of nature on mental health can shed light on why time spent in natural spaces or settings can be so therapeutic.

Nature’s Health Benefit

At the core of nature’s influence on mental health are the psychological benefits it offers. When we immerse ourselves in a natural environment, our brains undergo a remarkable transformation. The natural world has the power to reduce symptoms of mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and stress. It does so by triggering the release of endorphins, the brain’s feel-good chemicals, which promote a sense of well-being and happiness.

Additionally, urban environments that are close to nature provide a beneficial sense of awe and wonder, stimulating our beneficial creativity and curiosity that helps our mental health function. The beauty of a sunset or the grandeur of a mountain range can evoke feelings of awe, which have been linked to enhanced mental health.

Physiological Health Advantages

Beyond mental health, natural environments have beneficial cognitive benefits and a tangible impact on our physiology. Research has shown that spending time in a more green space can lead to:

Lower blood pressure
Reduced heart rate
Improved immune function

The beneficial calming effect of nature or urban green spaces on our bodies is partly attributed to the reduction in the production of stress hormones like cortisol. In contrast, nature’s sights, sounds, and scents activate our parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the “rest and digest” system.

This beneficial shift in our poor mental health state towards relaxation and restoration is one of the fundamental key factors of nature’s therapeutic power.

Moreover, exposure to nature on to natural light, especially in the morning, helps regulate our circadian rhythms, promoting better sleep patterns. Adequate sleep is a cornerstone of good mental health, as it allows our brains to process beneficial positive emotions and consolidate memories effectively.

Nature and mental health — Source: pexels.com

Benefits of Mother Nature To Reducing Our Mental Stress

Stress is that feeling of being overwhelmed, worried, or tense that we all experience from time to time. It’s like having a heavy backpack filled with worries that we carry around. But did you know that nature has a superpower? It can help us take off that backpack and breathe a sigh of relief.

Nature Reduces Stress

Imagine you’re in a peaceful park, surrounded by trees, birds singing, and a gentle breeze. Your senses soak in the beauty of the natural world. This experience has a beneficial effect on your body and mind:

Calming Effect: Nature has calming benefits on our busy brains. When we’re in nature, our bodies release special chemicals that make us feel good and relaxed. It’s like a natural medicine for stress.
Quiet Your Worries: Nature distracts us from our worries. Instead of thinking about problems, we start noticing the beauty around us. It’s like pressing the pause button on stress.
Lowering Stress Hormones: Stress can cause our bodies to produce stress hormones like cortisol. Nature helps reduce these hormones, so the more time we spend in nature, the less stressed we feel. We get to experience the benefits of spending outdoors.

Nature’s Stress-Reducing Tricks

Nature uses some clever tricks to make us feel less stressed:

Colors of Calm: The green color of the leaves and the blue spaces of water are calming to our eyes. They help us relax without even realizing it.
Sounds of Serenity: The sounds of nature, like birds chirping or water flowing, create a soothing melody that calms our minds.
Breathe Easy: The fresh air in natural settings is beneficial for our lungs and helps us feel refreshed.

Stress Reduction Anywhere, Anytime
You don’t need a grand forest or a majestic mountain to get the mental benefits to reduce stress. Even a small park, a garden, or a quiet corner with some potted indoor plants can do wonders. Nature is always ready to help, whether it’s a walk in the park for half an hour, a picnic by the lake, or simply sitting under a tree.

Improving Mood And Emotional Well-Being

Have you ever noticed how green space exposure, such as a walk in the park or a day at the beach, can make you feel happier? Nature has this incredible power to create positive affect, such as boosting our mood and making us feel more positive.

When you step into a natural setting, like a forest, a garden, or a beach, something magical happens inside you. Some of these health benefits include:

Release of Happiness Chemicals: Nature triggers your brain to release beneficial chemicals that make you feel happy. It’s like a natural dose of joy.
Stress Reduction: Remember how we talked about nature reducing stress? When stress goes down, your mood goes up.
Connection with Beauty: Nature is full of beautiful sights, sounds, and colors. These connect with your emotions and bring out feelings of awe and wonder.
Sunshine Happiness: Sunshine is nature’s way of saying, “Here’s some happiness!” It boosts your mood and makes you feel more cheerful.
Color Therapy: The green space of trees and the blue of water are soothing colors that relax your mind and make you feel good.
Nature’s Music: The sounds of birds singing, leaves rustling, or waves crashing on the shore create a beneficial calming and joyful melody that supports positive health outcomes.
Positive Distraction: When you’re in nature, you focus on its beauty instead of your worries. This distraction makes you feel better.

Enhancing Concentration And Productivity

Nature isn’t just beneficial for your mood; it’s also a fantastic brain booster. When you spend time in nature, your brain becomes sharper, and you can concentrate better. Nature has some secrets to supercharging your brainpower:

Fresh Air: The clean air in nature helps your brain work better. It’s like giving your brain a breath of fresh ideas.
Reducing Mental Fatigue: Nature gives your brain a break from the constant buzz of screens and devices. This break helps your brain recover and become more focused.
Creativity Spark: Nature sparks your creativity. When you’re surrounded by natural beauty, your brain comes up with new and exciting ideas.

Productivity Hacks From Nature
Nature has productivity tips up its sleeve:

Outdoor Office: If possible, take your work outside. A park bench or a quiet spot under a tree can be your new office.
Nature Breaks: Take short breaks in nature during work or study. It recharges your brain and helps you concentrate better.
Walk And Think: A leisurely walk in a natural setting can be the best brainstorming session. Nature inspires fresh thinking.

Nature And Social Well-Being

Nature is not just about solitude; it’s a fantastic place to connect with others and build better social relationships. If you want to enjoy the mental health benefits of nature with other people, you may try the following activities:

Group Adventures: Going on hikes, picnics, or nature outings with friends or family strengthens your positive social interactions or bonds. You share experiences and create lasting memories.
Relaxing Together: Nature’s calming effect can make conversations more relaxed and enjoyable. It’s easier to connect when you’re all feeling good.
Community Gardens: Gardening in a community garden is a great way to meet new people and work together towards a common goal.
Outdoor Activities: Joining group activities like bird watching, nature walks, or outdoor sports connects you with like-minded people who share your interests.
Children’s Play: Nature is an excellent playground for kids. When kids get together and play outside, they’re not just having fun – they’re learning how to get along with others and making buddies along the way.

Think about it: hanging out with family or meeting new people while surrounded by nature is pretty awesome. It’s like nature’s way of showing us we’re part of something bigger, a community where we can grow and flourish together.
To Sum It Up
Our bond with nature goes beyond just hanging out and spending time outdoors; it’s a deep, meaningful connection that really boosts our mental and emotional health. Nature is like a secret weapon for feeling better. It helps chill us out, lifts our spirits, sharpens our focus, and makes us feel more connected with others.

Nature is a gentle reminder that amidst our hectic lives, spending time in green and blue spaces, such as observing the green leaves or gazing at the blue sky, isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential for keeping our minds healthy. So, whether you’re taking a leisurely walk in the park, exploring forest trails, or just enjoying a beautiful sunset, every moment with nature is a step towards a happier, more balanced, and physically healthy you.

Embracing the great outdoors is like embracing a part of ourselves, finding serenity and balance in its everlasting arms.

Nature And Mental Health FAQs

What Are The Benefits Of Nature?

What Is The Nature Of Mental Health?

Is Nature Important For Mental Health?

How Can Spending Time Outside Benefits Stress?

How Does Nature Benefits Human Behavior?

What Are Nature-Based Mental Health Activities?

What Nature-Based Mental Health Activities Has the Most Benefits?

How To Improve Your Mental Health With Nature?

How To Use Nature As Mental Health Therapy?

How Does A Clean Nature Environment Benefits Mental Health?

How Does Your Home Environment Affect Your Mental Health?

Can Mental Health Improve On Its Own?

How Can Mental Health Be Improved Among Students?

What Benefits Does Nature Have on the Mental Health of Students?

What Are the Benefits of Nature Healing?

What Is Nature As A Form Of Therapy?

Why Therapeutic Benefits Does Nature Have?

Global Warming And Mental Health: Is Eco-Anxiety Real?

Global warming and climate change are explored often in terms of how they impact our environment and ecosystem. However, it is not surprising that our mental health is also taking a hit because of the gradual negative changes in the biosphere.

We feel uneasy watching natural disasters unfold through our television screens. Facebook posts or Tweets about polar bear displacement in the Arctic due to the melting ice caps horrify us. We dread each coming summer as it becomes hotter and hotter every year.

Because of both climate change and a pandemic, we cannot help but acknowledge the uncertainty of our future.

What Is Eco-Anxiety?

Eco-anxiety describes fear and helplessness caused by environmental and ecological dangers. It is very much an existing clinical mental condition despite not being in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

The word ‘eco-anxiety’, also known as ‘eco-grief’ or ‘climate-anxiety’, re-emerged in 2005. The American Psychology Association (APA) recognizes it as the chronic fear of possible environmental doom.

What Causes Eco-Anxiety?

Human actions have turned our planet into a massive oven. Increasing temperatures mean extinction for species that cannot adapt. Anxiety in the face of this situation is a natural response.

It is easy to feel helpless or even frustrated. As individuals, we cannot stop the planet’s destruction. Governments and large corporations also need to take steps in substantially reducing our carbon footprint.

The media also contributes to eco-anxiety. The coverage of natural phenomena happening all over the globe can be overwhelming. Numerous articles on habitat destruction and even species extinctions also make headlines online. Our exposure to various media resources can contribute to unnecessary stress.

In a 2018 survey by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, around 70% of Americans were aware of this global crisis – with the majority worried about the harm of climate change to their area. These effects include extreme heat, flooding, droughts, and water shortages. Similar results were still observed in a more recent poll by the APA in 2020. Many of the respondents even felt endangered by climate change. They also worried about how this can impact their mental health.

Aside from fear and anxiety, many who experience eco-anxiety also express guilt. Many feel guilty for being incapable of controlling global warming.

Feelings of guilt are more prevalent among those who have children when contemplating the future. Andrew Bryant, a therapist from Tacoma, Washington, shared that a client of his had this same concern in 2016. His client was having a difficult time deciding on whether to have a child or not. Their partner wanted to have a baby. However, the client was too afraid to let the child grow up in an apocalyptic-like future.

Who Is Affected By Eco-Anxiety?

Everyone is susceptible to eco-anxiety. However, not everyone is affected equally. People who depend on climate or their environment can be more easily affected by eco-anxiety.

Those whose livelihood or homes are in danger zones experience anxiety. Natural disasters threaten their very survival. People who have survived calamities such as typhoons, hurricanes, and tsunamis, are also very vulnerable.

Eco-anxiety is common among individuals who feel a strong sense of responsibility towards our planet. Those with pre-existing mental health disorders might manifest eco-anxiety as well.

How Is Eco-Anxiety Being Managed?

Resolving global warming and climate change requires governmental, corporal, and societal efforts. However, when managing eco-anxiety, the smallest steps can come a long way.

Personal management of eco-anxiety may include:

1. Taking positive action

Minimize your carbon footprint by practicing sustainable living and zero waste management. This can make you feel more accomplished and help in reducing your feelings of powerlessness.

2. Educating yourself and others

Learning more about the environment and becoming more informed can make you feel empowered. Sharing what you have learned with others also helps in raising awareness about global warming and mental health.

3. Connecting with nature

Spending more time outdoors boosts your mood and helps you establish a personal connection with nature.

4. Improving self-resiliency

Increasing your emotional resilience is a demanding but necessary step in overcoming any mental health condition. Improving self-resiliency can be achieved through the following:

self-care
avoiding isolation
keeping supportive and encouraging relationships
creating goals and working towards them

5. Logging off

It is easy to be influenced by the information we get from different media platforms. Knowing when to disengage can help you decrease the stress you experience from consuming media.

6. Seeking professional help

Getting professional help is still one of the best ways of handling any mental condition. Tips in managing anxiety are available online. However, mental health professionals can offer you a more personalized way of coping with it.

What Are The Responses To Eco-Anxiety?

Eco-anxiety was initially a topic of discomfort for mental health professionals. They lacked adequate training in this area. They didn’t know how to approach this topic objectively with their clients. But it’s vital for people to be aware of the environment’s importance, and the benefits of nature for stress and anxiety.

Climate-related stress and trauma cases have been increasing. Many mental health professionals have since incorporated eco-anxiety into their practice. They use eco-anxiety in ecopsychology. This is the branch of psychology dealing with the processes that connect and separate us from nature. It also tackles how these processes impact our identity and well-being.

Tree Staunton, a climate psychotherapist from Bath, England, has been advocating for the addition of climate change in the context of therapy. With these systemic changes in psychotherapy, we are positive to see more established management for eco-anxiety soon.

How Counseling Can Help You Change Your Lifestyle And Live Cleaner

Consuming consciously, living an eco-friendly lifestyle, and living purposefully: are goals that we have but can be very hard to achieve. Unfortunately, the fast-paced society we live in today, with its seemingly impossible demands, can leave us with no choice. But that does not mean you cannot come close to living the intentional lifestyle you want. If you often find it difficult to detach from societal expectations, changing your mindset, and letting go, you might find psychological counseling helpful.

Aside from external factors, challenges in changing your lifestyle have a lot to do with your inner beliefs and past experiences. Most people find it hard to let go of their preconceived notions and try new ways of doing things. Seeking counseling makes you aware of your beliefs, how they affect you, and how to change or work around them. Specifically, the following are how counseling can help you change your lifestyle.

Raising Self-Awareness

There is truth to the saying that change should start within yourself, but you cannot change what you cannot identify. Shifting to a new and cleaner lifestyle may require a similar shift in mindset, beliefs, and values. However, most of the time, we are not aware of our inner perspectives and set of values. This lack of knowledge can lead to discontinuity and dissatisfaction with lifestyle-changing steps you’re taking. With counseling, your counselor can walk you through discovering more of your inner self and how you affect the world around you.

Re-evaluating Choices

After awareness, counseling can help you re-evaluate the choices you make and your goals behind them. Your counseling sessions can help you realize and go back to why you do the things you do. Going back to your core intentions serves as your anchor and helps you focus on your track when things get tough. At the same time, your counselor can help you realize whether you want to make this shift in lifestyle and if you want it for the right reasons.

Oftentimes, these beliefs stem out from childhood experiences or other past traumatic experiences that need resolving. While in other cases, it can be more serious – not being able to let go can be a cause of underlying mental conditions. Or, clinging onto things can be a normal human response to what we’ve been used to. It is normal to hold and put our values onto materialistic possessions or to a way of living. Counseling can be a first step in addressing these psychological issues by talking them out and creating concrete solutions with your counselor.

Counseling can help you re-evaluate your worth channels, and you might find more value in the little and simple things.

Becoming Free From Expectations

A huge challenge we face in changing to a more eco-friendly life is social media and pressures from society. Social media, being a double-edged sword, can be helpful and harmful to our mental health. On the other hand, it inevitably influences our standards of how life should be and what we should consume, buy, and use. We see these almost impossible and sometimes senseless expectations, but trending is not necessarily right or suited for us. Yet, we tend to compare ourselves every time we indulge in every news feed or timeline.

Counseling can help create the boundary between what’s on social media and what’s appropriate for you. Your counselor can help you find alternative ways to spend your time than going for hours on social media. But more importantly, counseling can help change your outlook towards social media and not value your worth and life.

Finding Peace

In almost everything, awareness is key. But sometimes, the more you’re aware, the more you feel paralyzed and overwhelmed. However, it does not mean that being aware in itself is wrong; it just means you need to ease up. Counseling sessions can be safe spaces for you to release your worries and honest opinions and thoughts. Even though we are dedicated to a goal, the steps toward it can be challenging, and you might feel like departing from it. However, you must let these tendencies breathe out because sometimes, it might just be what you need.

Your counselor will work with you to find a solution for your problems. It can be a thought process that you can use every time an unhealthy or triggering situation or thinking arises. A counselor can also suggest new activities or hobbies you can try to help you relax. Your counselor can also suggest exercises, classes, or books that will train your emotional and mental stability.

New Purpose

From looking inwards and outwards, changing your mindset, and raising your awareness, counseling can help you in more ways. Besides helping you change towards a cleaner and better lifestyle, counseling might help you find a new purpose. As you proceed with counseling and discover more about yourself, it might come naturally for you to try something new. It can be something that you’ve always wanted to but never did because of fears or beliefs you previously had. Counseling can help you discover more strengths about yourself and appreciate yourself more.

Deciding to change your lifestyle is changing decade-olds practices, and anything established is hard to give up. However, going to the other side of doing things is not easy; that is why it’s alright to seek counseling and social support. Counseling can hold your hand as you transition and might even find better gems for you as you go through your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pressure Points For Anxiety Disorder

A lot of people have general anxiety from time to time. You might have minor symptoms when confronted with a daunting or exhausting situation. You may also have more major, long-standing symptoms that disrupt your day-to-day life, including restlessness, difficulty focusing, feelings of worry, fear, panic, irritability, sleep problems, headaches, and muscle tension.

Anxiety is not just a plain and simple mental health problem. In some severe situations, its impact is different from one person to another. It can cause a mental and emotional strain that can affect all aspects of the person’s daily life. Some of the pressure points for anxiety include:

Creates Social Awkwardness

Anxiety can cause so much worry that you may constantly think too much about embarrassing or humiliating yourself in social situations. There is the intense fear that people always look at you and find something to talk about you. The mental health condition sticks with your mind and makes you think that interacting with someone needs to be done perfectly. Anxiety causes social awkwardness and makes you think that instead of engaging with different people, you should be at home on the couch, alone and doing nothing.

Makes Unrealistic Predictions

When anxiety is lurking in, your expectations become a prediction. That is because you overthink the situation that does not entirely make sense. You begin to look at it with fear that, in the end, makes you interpret the situation differently. Some circumstances, like applying for a job, getting a new house, or transferring to new locations, can be extremely frightening because you think you already know what’s going to happen if you dive into change. Anxiety makes you hate new things.

Withdrawal from Friends And Family

One thing where anxiety becomes undeniably alarming is when it makes you isolate yourself and withdraw from friends and family. You may think avoiding certain situations can make you feel safe and secure because you won’t have to deal with overly thinking about awkward experiences and situations. But constantly avoiding events, gatherings, or social interactions will soon make you shut down on people. You will find it a relief not to engage or communicate anymore, which is unhealthy.

Ruins A Romantic Relationship

When it comes to a romantic relationship, the one thing that can damage it is too much fear of nothing. The constant negative thoughts about how, what, when, and who can make it complicated. The fear that one day the relationship will not last makes it even easier to not last. When anxiety enters the relationship, expect that there are so many of its aspect that needs quite an amount of attention. Anxiety can cause dependence, fear of rejection, overthinking, and constant reassurance, which by the way, is too daunting to even think about.

Creates Negative Self-Impression

You should pay attention to the impacts of anxiety on yourself because it can ruin your overall self-awareness when not taken care of. Anxiety is often rooted in too much worry and fear. When you constantly think that you are not good enough or not capable of anything, you become your thoughts. It lingers, and it feeds your insecurities resulting in self-blame and even self-harm. Anxiety, when it gets stuck, it becomes the foundation of your impulsiveness, denial, and unreliability.

Anxiety is commonly managed with medication, therapy, or a combination of these two. There are also several alternative methods, such as acupressure, which can help. Acupressure is a type of alternative Chinese medicine that temporarily relieves anxiety using finger massages. This stress relief alternative to traditional Chinese medicine is done by stimulating pressure points in the body, and it can be performed by you or with the assistance of a professional.

Studies On Acupressure For Disorder

There is not much research on utilizing pressure points and acupressure to treat anxiety. However, experts are gradually looking at alternative remedies for point of anxiety. Most research that has been done has centered on acupressure points for dealing with anxiety before going through a possible stressful experience or medical procedure instead of having anxiety. Most of the research is also relatively minor, although the traditional Chinese medicine outcomes are promising.

For instance, a series of small trials done in 2015 systematic review of the effects of acupressure on anxiety symptoms revealed that acupressure appeared to help alleviate anxiety just before a medical procedure such as a medical operation.

Another trial composed of 85 cancer patients hospitalized for cancer management revealed that acupressure assisted in decreasing their anxiety. Additionally, a study done in 2016 examined 75 students with severe menstrual pain. Acupressure done at certain acupressure points during different menstrual cycles reduced anxiety symptoms in the participants at their third cycle’s culmination.

Again, bigger trials are required to completely comprehend the ways of using pressure points in managing anxiety. However, the current studies have not found any deleterious effects of its methods on anxiety, so it is probably worth trying if you are searching for a new approach.

Remember that these studies also state that acupressure seems to offer short-term – not permanent – relief from anxiety symptoms. Be sure that you continue doing the rest of your stress management therapies and other treatments ordered by your physician while doing traditional Chinese acupressure.

Some of the pressure points include:

Hall of Impression Point. This point is located between the eyebrows. Applying pressure here is known to help reduce both stress and anxiety.

Shoulder WellPoint. The shoulder well point is right on your shoulder muscle. To locate it, you or a professional needs to pinch the shoulder muscle using the thumb or the middle finger. This pressure point is said to assist in alleviating headaches, muscle tension, and stress. It may also stimulate labor, so this can’t be used if you are pregnant.

Great Surge Pressure Point. This point is located on foot, about 2 or 3-finger breadths under the big and second toe’s juncture. The great surge pressure point is seen in the hollow just over the bone. It may aid in reducing stress and anxiety. It can also be used for insomnia, menstrual cramps, and pain.

Heavenly Gate point

This point is in the upper shell of your ear, at the tip of the triangle-like hollow there. Stimulating this point is said to help relieve anxiety, stress, and insomnia.

Here are frequently asked questions and their corresponding answers about pressure points for anxiety.

What Pressure Point Relieves Anxiety?

Yin Tang or pressure point extra-1 is situated at the midline just between the eyebrows. Performing acupressure in this area can help reduce anxiety and stress. Sit down and make yourself comfortable. Apply pressure on the specific point using your forefinger or thumb.

How Can I Stop It Immediately?

Do these things if you want to stop feeling anxious fast:

Maintain a healthy and well-balanced diet.
Take time for yourself.
Avoid too much caffeine or alcohol.
Get sufficient amounts of sleep.
Do deep breathing.
Count silently and slowly.

What Are The 5 Pressure Points?

The five pressure points for improving sleep include:

Bubbling spring
Three yin intersection
Inner frontier gate
Wind pool
Spirit gate

Where Do You Rub Your Feet?

The surge pressure point is located on the foot, about two or three fingerbreadths under the big and second-toe intersection. This point is found in the area just over the bone. This pressure point helps decrease stress and anxiety.

What Is The Best Massage?

The best type of health massage for individuals looking for body relaxation and relief from tension, stress, and pain is shiatsu. It is a Japanese form of massage that enhances physical and emotional relaxation, improves deep breaths, and supports peace of mind. It also helps decrease anxiety and depression.

What Vitamins Help With Disorder?

Vitamin D and B-complex are great to help in alleviating anxiety. Other supplements that are equally helpful include ashwagandha, l-theanine, magnesium, valerian, and omega-3.

What Deficiency Causes Disorder?

Some studies report vitamin D deficiency could be associated with anxiety disorders. This is further backed by a 2015 study that documented decreased calcidiol levels in individuals with depression or anxiety. Calcidiol is a derivative of a breakdown of vitamin D in the body.

What Is A Drug That Calms You Down?

Benzodiazepines, also called sedatives or tranquilizers, are the most commonly recommended drugs for anxiety.

What is the strongest anti-anxiety pill?

Benzodiazepines, such as clonazepam, lorazepam, diazepam, and alprazolam, are the most widely prescribed anti-anxiety medications.

Does CBD help anxiety?

CBD has been proven to reduce anxiety even at higher amounts. THC, on the other hand, reduces anxiety at decreased doses.

When to Visit The Doctor

Although acupressure, when done slowly and in circular motion, could offer some short-term alleviation from anxiety symptoms, there is little proof that it will benefit long-term stress and anxiety.

If you believe that your symptoms are causing difficulty for you to go to school or work or disrupt your relationships, it might be suitable to consult your doctor or therapist.

You are to speak with your doctor or therapist if you begin experiencing digestive problems, suicidal thoughts, depressive feelings, headaches, sleeping problems, and panic attacks.

Where do you pinch for anxiety?

In acupressure massage therapy, this pressure point Extra-1 is also called Yin Tang. It is at the midpoint (the center) between your eyebrows. If you apply firm pressure on this point using the thumb and index finger, it can help those who experience anxiety and reduce stress as a temporary relief. Use your index finger to apply gentle pressure, taking slow circular motions, then take deep breaths as you go for a good blood flow for quick anxiety relief.

Where is the pressure point on your wrist for anxiety?

Can anxiety be relieved by firm pressure?

How do you massage anxiety away?

What kind of massage is best for anxiety?

Conclusion

Acupressure can be an efficient tool for briefly alleviating anxiety symptoms, although there is insufficient evidence to back its use as a tool for permanent anxiety. Still, utilizing acupressure in situations where you’re anxious or stressed can definitely help.

Just be sure to continue with your current treatment plan ordered by your doctor and consult him or your therapist if your symptoms worsen or start disrupting your daily living. Always seek professional advice. And if you think your symptoms are worse, don’t try any medications without medical assistance.

Environment Friendly Life Uplifts Mental Health

We can no longer stand on the sidelines and watch the world wither away. We owe it to our children and our children’s children to have a life surrounded by the beauty of nature. A suggestion that I always give is to live an eco-friendly life.

With the world slowly dying from pollution, climate change, over-harvesting, carbon footprint emissions, global warming, deforestation, etc., we must take on the role of helping the environment and its ecosystem regain its natural beauty and vigor.

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Cleaning: Make It A Family Thing

Spending time with my family is one of the things that I love the most. Bonding with my immediate or extended families is really fun times and I just can’t exchange it with any other moments. But this rarely happens especially if everyone is already occupied. Choosing a schedule for some bonding time is not that easy especially for extended families to come together. But whenever the time comes, it is usually a happy day. Moments like this make us forget some problems that we encounter along the way and just be thankful for everything that has been given to us.

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Air Pollution Amid A Pandemic

The coronavirus outbreak has been the center of everyone’s attention for months on end, and for a good reason. It has devastated the lives of almost every single person in the world; some have even been taken as well. A lot of businesses have had to shut down in fear of someone bringing the virus into their establishments and spreading it to everyone. But what people may have forgotten is that air pollution problems still exist despite the pandemic.

We can start by looking at the transparency of the air at different places. As we can see, the sky might seem dark, but it is not going to be very transparent. You can also feel that it is difficult to breathe with this air. Sometimes, I feel a little suffocated in the afternoon or even at night. Imagine, I am merely in the United States, and I experience this sensation. I cannot fathom how the individuals from the countries with the worst air qualities can survive while breathing through their nose.

Some people are very concerned about it, but others are not concerned at all. My concern is 8 out of 10 because I have a kid. It pains me to think that my son will need to wear a mask for the rest of his life even after the scientists come out with a vaccine for COVID-19. It does provide extra protection, but you will still feel uncomfortable with it. No one is stepping up to help reduce or end the air pollution problem, after all.

The Worrisome Air Quality

The primary problem with air pollution is that it weakens our immune system. It may not have an immediate effect on our house, but it is gradually causing the functionality of our lungs to get worse than the functionality of the lungs of those living in a clean place.

Sometimes, environmental security within the country might be a problem, too. People get killed by it, which is why fewer babies are being born to the world. Even if they come to the world safely, they end up with respiratory issues that may affect their lives.

Furthermore, when the air quality is terrible, some of the air particles carry viruses and bacteria on them. That is probably why some countries have recorded a higher number of coronavirus cases than others. Instead of dying while it is still airborne, the virus manages to thrive, no thanks to air pollution.

I recommend that your kid should not stay outside if there are high pollution indexes.

Pollution Index And Children

If the pollution index is up to 100, it means that it is at a medium level. If it is up to 200, it will be better not to take your kid outside because that is too high to safe for anyone. There may be harmful viruses in the air, and children have a weaker immune system. It might be okay when they are old enough, but the virus can cause diseases rather quickly for children.

Final Thoughts

In the olden days, if you see someone wearing a mask in the subway, you would think that he’s probably very ill, or worse, contagious. You want to sit as far away from them as possible and cover your nose and mouth, hoping not to inhale the same air that they are breathing.

Well, at this point, it may be smart to be extra cautious when it comes to the air you inhale. As mentioned above, the air particles can quickly transport viruses into your lungs. If you are too chill and not even bother to wear a mask outside, you may catch the coronavirus and have more significant problems than air pollution.

Little Things You Can Do To Save The Turtles

I decided to attend the 2019 Save The Turtles Event after watching baby turtles go to the sea. They all looked so cute and precious, using their tiny legs to paddle across the sandy beach towards the water. Then, I saw the heartbreaking video of an old turtle with a plastic straw stuck in its nose, and it made me want to ensure that no marine animal would suffer like that again.

Here are a few things that you can do to save the turtles.

little-things-you-can-do-to-save-the-turtles-1 — Source: pixabay.com

Volunteer For Beach Clean-Ups

For starters, you may take part in clean-up drives at the beach. Put on a pair of gloves, get an empty garbage bag or sack, and start picking up any trash you see. Try not to leave anything behind to reduce the turtles’ chances of eating them.

Embrace Reusable Items

It is fortunate if your plastic straws, disposable bottles, and plastic bags end up in landfills. However, the reality is that most rubbish that you don’t dispose of properly go to bodies of water, which all lead to the sea. You may harm the marine animals because of that, so you should only use reusable items from this moment onwards.

little-things-you-can-do-to-save-the-turtles-2 — Source: pixabay.com

Keep The Beach Clutter-Free

Beach-goers always seem to want to build sandcastles or rest at lounge chairs as they take in the beautiful sea in front of them. The problem is, such things serve as clutter, especially if you go to the beach where the turtles are nesting. Thus, make sure to level the sand and take the chairs before leaving to prevent turning the baby turtles away.

Final Thoughts

Turtles are innocent living things that cannot protect themselves on their own. People need to lend them a hand by cleaning the beaches and not using non-biodegradable items daily. The more you keep on doing that, the more you can save turtles from extinction.

Caring For This Planet – Lockdown Tips

This planet will die soon, if we do not take care of it. That is what my mother instilled in me since I was three, and that is also what I have been telling my kids. Earth is alive, and like all live beings, it will wither and perish. It is essential for everyone living on this planet to do their part in saving Gaia. (Gaia is Mother Earth, as I call her.) If we fail to do this, we will suffer all of the consequences.

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