I suffer from anxiety attacks!  I don’t want to make that sound like a final statement because most of the time I don’t suffer from anxiety attacks and panic.  It is only when I have let myself get too stressed that I may have them now.

Drinking too much coffee, not getting enough sleep or eating properly or a combination of these can also contribute to my having an anxiety attack. These are my triggers and I have learned to recognize what they are and also how to eliminate or reduce the affects they have on my mental health.

When I am really stressed my anxiety will lead me to a panic attack and I will explain to you briefly how that feels to me.   I first feel tingling in my fingers and scalp, I usually am surprised as  I don’t usually see it coming.  Sometimes I also feel nausea and always my throat is dry and my stomach is upset for a long while, even days.  If I don’t do anything about it then it will develop into a full blown panic attack where I feel waves of fear wash over me.

It is not a good experience and note though that I didn’t say it was a terrible experience as I now have learned to stop it in it’s tracks.  Also I feel that by saying to myself something is terrible then I am reinforcing that thought.

I have been told that anxiety attacks can be hereditary and was asked about family members but all I can find is that my Aunties were described as ‘sensitive’ or ‘highly strung’ so maybe that is where it came from. I suppose it doesn’t really matter where it came from but how I react to it now.

To me, it doesn’t really help to know that because of  my genes I am more predisposed to anxiety attacks, as the bottom line is really that if  I get them, I deal with them.

I have found that if I can stop myself from hyperventilating when I get nervous or stressed then I can prevent myself from panicking.  This is where Binaural Beat music has been a lifesaver for me.  I am lucky that I now have control over panic and it doesn’t rule my life anymore but I do make sure that my stress levels are kept to a minimum if possible.

I don’t know that I would say that I am cured but I sure feel like I have control over my life now. Taking back the power of your emotions is such an empowering feeling.  Try relaxation music on your iPod too and see the difference in your stress levels immediately.

Good foods you should be eating are fruits such as bananas, oily fish like salmon and tuna and wholegrain breads and flour, vegetables such as carrots and broccoli.  Fresh fruits and juices will give you an energy boost when you most need it and improve your mood.  Drinking enough water and cutting down on salt is also very important.

Here is a recipe for a cocktail ideal for that hot summer afternoon:

Healthy fruit cocktail

1/4 cup orange juice (unsweetened)
1/4 cup pineapple juice (unsweetened)
5 carrots, cut into quarters length ways
1 teasp honey (optional)
ice cubes

Juice the carrots and mix in with the orange and pineapple juice, add the honey if you like, then the ice cubes and blend together.  Pour into 2 large glasses.  I leave out the honey unless I have a sore throat, and you can always add it later for more sweetness.

Eating gives you more energy and definitely helps with your mood and with the right choices you can also eat healthily and enjoy the experience which is important.  Eat well and this will help your mental health as well as your physical health.  For other recipes why not check out the book pictured above by clicking on the link here –> The Big Book of Juices and Smoothies, a great book to give you ideas for healthy drinks.

On top of the list for living a healthier life in 2009 will be to  balance  my life with less stress and anxiety by getting the right amount of rest and relaxation.   I must say here that I am not OLD (except to my grandchildren)  but just feel that way lately.  I know I will live longer if I increase my muscular strength and reduce stress in my life starting this year.

Laughter is one of the best things for your mental and physical state especially with stress related anxiety and I will try to see the funny side of situations where I can.  People are naturally attracted to someone who has a good sense of humor.  You can develop a good outlook and a good sense of humor by associating with and surrounding yourself with pleasant happy people and that is something that I can do for myself.

I need to recognize that stress can kill me.  A life filled with stress can really wreak havoc on your body causing many illnesses such as heart attacks, anxiety disorders including panic attacks and headaches.  I will meditate more for relaxation and I know this is a great way to reduce the stress quickly.

All stress is not terrible though and actually life would not be very exciting if it were not met with challenges.  But, too much stress, too often, with no efficient and appropriate outlet, does not allow the body and soul to recover  or relax so this is where the meditation will help to prevent anxiety from developing.

I am a worrier and long-term worriers, so they say, don’t have more serious problems than others – they just think they do.  I think I can see myself in that statement. Doctors say that chronic worriers feel less anxious if they actually spend half an hour a day thinking specifically about their troubles so I will be trying that out in 2009.

I am going to try to get plenty of exercise this year.  This will be my greatest challenge for living a healthier life in 2009. A good exercise regimen will lengthen my life I know and improve my appearance, build self confidence, reduce stress and so my anxiety levels and help delay the aging process.

Eating right, getting proper sleep and learning to relax are all very worthwhile in maintaining a healthy body and mind so that is what I will be doing to achieve that healthier life in 2009.  My motto this year will be “DONT STRESS THE SMALL STUFF“.

anti anxiety soup

This super anti anxiety soup is jam packed full of goodness to boost your immune system, provide antioxidant protection and boost your mood.

The active ingredients to do this are: Onion – a natural antibiotic, Celery which is a traditional soother, Parsnip which releases energy slowly to stop mood swings, Carrots which lower your blood cholesterol, Thyme is a natural antiseptic, Parsley gives antioxidant protection and Black pepper which can increase the absorption of vitamin B.

Carrot and parsnip soup