Anxiety and the effects in today’s world

In the relentless pace of today's world, where the digital age seamlessly weaves into the fabric of our daily lives, anxiety emerges as an unwavering companion for many. The incessant connectivity, the deluge of information, and the demands of modern living collectively cultivate an atmosphere of perpetual unease.

Anxiety, in its myriad forms, emerges in response to stressors, stemming from both external challenges in the world and internal struggles within ourselves. In today's reality, anxiety is not an abstract concept but an undeniable presence, manifesting in diverse ways that mirror the complexities of our modern existence. These roots of anxiety span societal expectations, the relentless pursuit of peak performance, personal challenges, and uncertainties about the future and as we, as individuals navigate these stressors, the urgent need for effective tools to alleviate anxiety becomes increasingly apparent.

This blog seeks to navigate this labyrinth of anxiety in today's world, unraveling the threads that connect the external stressors and internal struggles we face. Join us on a journey to understand the multifaceted nature of anxiety, explore coping mechanisms, and carve out pathways to a more serene state of mind in the midst of the chaos of contemporary living. Welcome to a dialogue about "Anxiety in Today's World," where we aim to shed light on this prevalent yet often misunderstood aspect of the human experience.

 

The Negative effects of Anxiety on the body

Though anxiety is a common experience at various points in life, persistent or chronic anxiety has the potential to disrupt your overall quality of life. While commonly associated with noticeable behavioral changes, anxiety extends its impact beyond the realm of actions, delving into serious consequences for your physical health.

Living with any level of anxiety places physical stress on your body, particularly affecting your nervous, cardiovascular, digestive, immune, and respiratory systems. In the short term, anxiety creates an increase in breathing and heart rate, directing blood flow to the brain in preparation for facing intense situations.  While this physical response is geared toward enhancing your ability to cope, excessive or persistent anxiety can have profound effects on both your physical and mental well-being.

The real challenge then arises when anxiety decides to stick around for the long haul. Born from a pile-up of stressful experiences, chronic anxiety opens the door to something trickier – an anxiety disorder. It might creep up unexpectedly, making its presence known right away, or it might take time, quietly weaving its way into our lives over the years. In this delicate dance between feeling on edge and the overall health of our body, anxiety transforms from a passing annoyance to a significant chapter in the story of our lives.

 

Anxiety & The Central Nervous System

Sustained anxiety and recurrent panic attacks can trigger the consistent release of stress hormones within your brain. This heightened hormonal activity may amplify the frequency of accompanying symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and feelings of depression. When anxiety takes hold and stress sets in, your brain responds by flooding your nervous system with specific hormones and chemicals, such as adrenaline and cortisol, tailored to prepare you for a perceived threat.

While this response is beneficial in managing occasional high-stress events, prolonged exposure to stress hormones can have adverse effects on your physical health over time. In particular, the extended presence of cortisol may contribute to weight gain, underscoring the potential long-term repercussions of sustained stress on the central nervous system.

 

Anxiety & The Cardiovascular System

Anxiety disorders can induce a range of cardiovascular symptoms, including a rapid heart rate, palpitations, and chest pain. These manifestations not only impact immediate well-being but may also elevate the risk of more chronic issues within the cardiovascular system.

Individuals experiencing prolonged anxiety may find themselves at an increased risk of developing high blood pressure and heart disease. Moreover, for those already contending with heart disease, anxiety can further heighten the risk of experiencing coronary events, emphasizing the intricate interplay between mental health and the cardiovascular system.

 

Anxiety & The Digestive System

Anxiety also extends its influence to the digestive system, giving rise to a spectrum of symptoms. Individuals grappling with anxiety may experience stomach aches, nausea, and other digestive issues including the common manifestation of a diminished appetite.

A noteworthy association also emerges between anxiety disorders and the potential development of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS, characterized by its disruptive impact on the digestive system, can cause many digestive challenges. This intricate interplay between anxiety and digestive health underscores the comprehensive effects that mental well-being can have on various systems in the body.

 

Anxiety & The Immune System

Anxiety can trigger your flight-or-fight stress response, releasing a cascade of chemicals and hormones, including adrenaline, into your system. In the short term, this prompts an increase in pulse and breathing rates, ensuring your brain receives more oxygen, thereby preparing you to navigate intense situations.  Remarkably, your immune system may experience a brief boost during this process.

While with occasional stress, the body typically reverts to regular functioning once the stress subsides, in the cases of chronic stress the body fails to receive the signal to return to normal functioning. This prolonged state of stress can compromise your immune system, rendering you more susceptible to viral infections and frequent illnesses.

 

 Anxiety & The Respiratory System

As many will know from experience, anxiety induces rapid, shallow breathing, altering the normal respiratory pattern. For individuals dealing with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), anxiety poses an increased risk of hospitalization due to related complications.

Anxiety can also exacerbate asthma symptoms, further impacting the respiratory system. This intricate relationship between anxiety and respiratory health underscores the potential complications that can arise, particularly for those already contending with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

 

Managing and Alleviating Anxiety: Practical Approaches

Recognizing anxiety as an integral facet of our daily existence and acknowledging it as a condition requiring proactive measures is the first major step. There's no shame in admitting to feelings of anxiety, particularly in the face of the often daunting and overwhelming pace of modern life. Embracing this acknowledgment is a pivotal step in navigating the complexities of our emotional well-being.

Amid the myriad strategies to manage anxiety, a few simple steps stand out:

  1. Exercise: Engaging in various forms of exercise, even a simple walk, yields profound benefits for the body. The endorphins produced during exercise, especially cardio training, usher in euphoric feelings that foster motivation and help dispel fears and mental blocks.
  2. Diet: A mindful approach to diet involves reducing the intake of sugary and processed foods which helps in stabilizing blood sugar levels, smoothing out the "highs and lows" commonly experienced in everyday life. Opting for foods rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals also contributes to a more balanced mood.
  3. Meditation: Carving out time for oneself, calming the mind, and redirecting thoughts towards relaxation constitute powerful antidotes to anxiety. While conscious practice is often necessary, any form of relaxation proves invaluable in reducing anxious feelings.
  4. Natural Remedies: Many natural products, including essential oils, have long served to alleviate stress and anxiety, promoting a serene mind. Scientific studies have delved into the chemistry of these natural products, shedding light on their effectiveness. Understanding the key essential oils and their optimal usage can significantly contribute to reducing feelings of anxiety.

Now, let's delve into the essence of essential oils, exploring how these key blends can be effectively employed to alleviate feelings of anxiety.

 

Helping to craft Serenity: Adaptiv Blend & Roll-On

Embarking on the journey to counter anxiety becomes a harmonious endeavour with the Adaptiv Blend & Roll-On. Crafted with the calming synergy of Lavender, Wild Orange, Copaiba, Spearmint, and Neroli essential oils, this blend adapts to the rhythm of daily pressures, creating serenity amidst life's challenges.

Encased in a convenient roll-on bottle, the Adaptiv Touch seamlessly combines ease of application with the therapeutic benefits of the blend, offering a portable solution for tranquillity during anxious moments.  Whether facing a hectic day or seeking reprieve, Adaptiv Touch stands as a reliable companion in combating anxiety.

Alternatively, infuse your surroundings with this calming aroma by placing a few drops of the Adaptiv essential oil blend in a diffuser, providing a serene sanctuary that aligns seamlessly with your journey to find balance and calm in the face of anxiety.

Grounding Amidst Chaos:  Balance Essential Oil Blend

In the whirlwind of life's pace, the pursuit of inner balance takes centre stage. Enter Balance essential oil blend, a grounding force amidst the chaos of our bustling world. This carefully crafted blend, featuring Spruce, Ho Wood, Frankincense, Blue Tansy, and Blue Chamomile, serves as an antidote to uncertainties, ushering in a harmonious and steady presence.

To harness its calming benefits specifically tailored for anxiety, apply a few drops of Balance essential oil blend to the soles of your feet, both morning and night. This intentional ritual acts as a grounding and centring practice, working to calm the mind while bringing fears and anxiety into clearer focus and understanding. In this way, Balance becomes a therapeutic ally in your quest for tranquillity amid life's frenetic pace.

For Essential Well Being:  Clary Sage

Esteemed for its exceptional therapeutic properties, Clary Sage emerges as a vital component in your natural wellness toolkit. Offering a myriad of benefits, this versatile oil takes centre stage in promoting emotional stability, fostering mental clarity, and dispelling negative thoughts and anxiousness.

Immerse yourself in the soothing aroma of Clary Sage, characterized by a delicate herbal scent, to evoke a profound sense of calm and serenity. Whether diffused to inhale the calming aromas or applied with a drop to the forehead (Third Eye), this essential oil becomes an invaluable ally in your journey to alleviate anxiety and cultivate emotional balance. In every essence, Clary Sage stands as a tranquil force, supporting your pursuit of mental well-being amid life's challenges.

Uplifting the Spirit:  Citrus Oils

Infuse your day with the vibrant energy of the citrus oils; Wild Orange, Lime, and Lemon, with a burst of sunshine to illuminate your path through the storm of anxiety. Resonating with positivity and vitality, these oils serve as uplifting spirits ushering in a sense of joy and peace.

As anxiety endeavours to cast its shadow, citrus oils step in as rays of light, transforming the mood with positivity and offering a momentary escape from the burdensome weight of stress. In their essence, these citrus oils become a radiant source of relief, casting a luminous glow on the journey to alleviate anxiety.

A Calming Sanctuary: Frankincense

Within the chaos, Frankincense unfolds as a sanctuary of calm.  Tracing back its history steeped in spiritual practices it unfolds as a grounding experience that anchors individuals to the present moment.

Engaging in the ritual of inhaling the soothing aroma of Frankincense becomes a momentary escape from the demands of the day, permitting the mind to discover stillness and peace amid the tumult of anxiety. In this sacred essence, Frankincense becomes a tranquil refuge, offering solace and a respite for the mind in its pursuit of serenity.

 

In the swirling vortex of modern chaos, these essential oils stand tall as unwavering pillars of support. They beckon you to venture on a path of self-discovery, to sync with the soothing rhythm of well-being, and to quell those anxious thoughts that attempt to overpower.

As you navigate the challenges of today's world, allow the aromatic embrace of essential oils to gently guide you toward a sanctuary of calmness, peace, and emotional well-being as they subtlety and consistency remind you to “just keep breathing”.

 

Shop these essentials oils and more HERE

Follow @essentialflowwithangela for Daily Rituals, Education, Events & More

Subscribe below to receive our latest insights

RETURN to the Essential Wisdom Hub ->

Back to blog