One in four of us will experience a mental health problem every year. With the lasting effects of the pandemic driving a national and global mental health crisis, fear and anxiety are common emotional responses.
Anxiety symptoms can occur when nerve cells in the brain become overstimulated. It is the body’s natural response to fear or stress, but if it becomes extreme or persistent and interferes with everyday life, it can prevent you from doing things you enjoy.
Commenting on common symptoms and treatments for anxiety, GP and Media Medic Dr Sarah Jarvis says: ‘Some people feel an uncontrollable sense of dread or recurring worries about the future. Some have difficulty concentrating or an inability to relax. Others feel tense and have difficulty sleeping. Whatever your symptoms may be, there is a general feeling of tension, nervousness, panic, and worry that cause you to feel anxious.’
‘In my general practice, I recognise that anxiety affects people in different ways and that not all experiences or symptoms warrant prescription medication. As such, I welcome a range of treatment and support options, including pharmaceutical quality lavender oil capsules and other non-prescription options such as mindfulness and talking therapies.’
More than 15 clinical trials show that a daily lavender oil capsule can be as effective as commonly used anti-anxiety medication, including the benzodiazepine lorazepam prescribed in general anxiety disorders without the risk of sedation, dependency or withdrawal.
In response to increasing levels of anxiety brought on by the global pandemic, Olivia, aged 28 years old from Brighton, sought a natural remedy to relieve her symptoms in the form of pharmaceutical quality lavender oil capsules.
Olivia comments: ‘Initially, when I first began to experience anxiety, I suffered from severe panic attacks and nervousness. My anxiety became unpredictable and would usually show up when I was doing something mundane or falling asleep. Even going for a walk or the idea of meeting up with friends became triggering.’
‘Out of everything I have tried and been recommended, including running, yoga and magnesium bath salts, I have found that taking Kalms Lavender capsules helps to calm and reduce any anxious thoughts, whilst easing the tight and heavy feeling in my chest when I feel a surge in my anxiety.’
Although you cannot make your fears and anxieties ‘go away,’ there are simple and effective ways to manage them and restore a sense of calm. Many are essential ingredients for a healthy lifestyle, and adopting them can improve your overall emotional and physical well-being:
Recognise and acknowledge your feelings
Face your feelings about fear and the transition you are going through, especially when the change is imposed and beyond your control. Simply writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you understand them more clearly. Keeping a journal can also help you gain control of your anxiety and improve your mental health.
Focus on your breathing
When anxiety levels rise, our breathing speeds up, and our breaths become shallow, keeping the body in a cycle of stress. Try taking slow deep breaths; calmly inhaling for four seconds through your nose; holding your breath for seven seconds; and exhaling through your mouth for a count of eight.
Restore your daily routine
Don’t let uncertainty or anxiety derail your healthy routines. Make efforts to eat well, exercise and get enough sleep. Remind yourself that it might take time for the stressful situation to resolve, and be patient with yourself in the meantime.
Try a traditional herbal remedy, such as Kalms Lavender
Lavender oil has a long-standing association with relieving symptoms of mild anxiety, such as stress and nervousness. Over 15 clinical trials have shown that a daily capsule of uniquely prepared lavender oil can ease anxiety symptoms in just one to two weeks. Benefits are comparable to commonly used anti-anxiety medications without problems such as sedation, addiction or interaction with other medications.
Seek support
It’s normal to feel a bit worried, scared or helpless during uncertain times. Remember: it is OK to share your concerns with others you trust – and doing so may help them too. If you cannot speak to someone you know or if doing so has not helped, there are plenty of helplines you can try instead.
The anxiety-relieving effects of uniquely prepared, pharmaceutical quality lavender oil are available only in Kalms Lavender One-A-Day Capsules.
