Although it’s ok and totally natural to feel anxious at times, it’s important not to let those feelings get out of control. Over time anxiety can have a serious effect on our health and wellbeing. We’ve all got certain pressures, i.e. work deadlines, financial worries, specific events, as well as the usual daily challenges. Some self-help therapies can help you feel calm and soothe your nerves.
Reflexology
The adrenal glands, which are directly affected by stress, are responsible for the “fight-or-flight” response we feel when under pressure. This response is meant to be short lived, but in many cases it is a regular occurrence, leading to overworked adrenal glands.
In reflexology, the adrenal reflex is found just below the ball of each foot and also on the fleshy area below the thumb on the palmar side of the hand. Gently pressing these reflexes for a few minutes can help calm the adrenal glands and reduce tension. The hands can be worked at any time of day and the feet are best worked for about five minutes per foot before bedtime.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the use of plant-derived, aromatic essential oils to promote physical and psychological well-being.
The optimum way for the body to absorb the therapeutic qualities of essential oils is through a combination of inhalation and skin absorption, via a massage blend or bath.
Lavender is one of the most studied essential oils in terms of its relaxing effects. It has been shown to calm the nervous system, lower blood pressure, heart rate and skin temperature, as well as change brain waves to a more relaxed state.
Neroli, often referred to as the “rescue remedy” of essential oils, is also a valuable oil for helping to ease anxiety and stress, along with bergamot.
Massage Therapy
A natural facelift massage can release tension through the whole body when just the face is massaged. We tend to hold emotional stress is our faces, particularly in the jaw and temples, so gently massaging these areas using upward and outward circular motions helps to promote relaxation and reduce stress, while increasing muscle tone and revitalising your skin. It is easy to do yourself, using your favourite cream or oil after cleansing. Make it a daily routine to look and feel your best.
For all the above treatments you can find me on The Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) Register here
I’m on both The Complementary Healthcare Therapist Register and the FHT Directory. Follow the link and put in my name – Sarah Butler.
The Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) is the UK and Ireland’s largest professional association for complementary, holistic beauty and sports therapists. Founded in 1962, the FHT has been promoting the highest standards in education and therapy practice for more than 50 years. Its Complementary Healthcare Register has been accredited by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care.
Thank you for reading
Thank you for reading