A Natural Remedy for Anxiety
If you listen to the drug companies, you might think that chemicals are the only real answer for anxiety sufferers. But for those of us who prefer a more natural approach to good health, prescription drugs may be a last resort. Some may be allergic to these drugs, as well as herbs used to treat anxiety. A safer option, and one that has been proven successful, is meditation.
Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years, mostly for religious and spiritual purposes. It has only recently been studied as a treatment for health problems, but the results of those studies have been promising. Meditation has been proven to positively affect metabolism, heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure and brain chemistry. To put it simply, it causes what is referred to as the “relaxation response.”
As you might imagine, the relaxation response is greatly beneficial to those suffering from anxiety. It reverses the adverse effects of distress and puts us in a more peaceful state of mind. This provides immediate relief from panic and anxiety.
Short-term relief is good, but meditation offers more than that. It helps us become more aware of the thought patterns that cause anxiety. It also helps us gain greater control over our thoughts, putting us in a better position to fight the mental processes that cause us anxiety. For these reasons, meditation is useful as a long-term treatment as well.
Types of Meditation for Anxiety Control
There are many different types of meditation. All types fit into one of the following two categories:
* Concentrative meditation - In this type of meditation, one focuses on something that does not require conscious thought. The meditator may chant, concentrate on a tangible object, or practice certain breathing patterns. The purpose of concentrative meditation is to clear the mind.
* Mindful meditation – Mindful meditation involves focusing on one’s thoughts and feelings without being overcome by them. Its purpose is to make the mind more stable and calm. This type of meditation is particularly effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Both concentrative and mindful meditation can be beneficial to those with anxiety. Many find that alternating between the two, either in the same session or different sessions, produces the best results.
Learning to Meditate
Some who are new to meditation seek instruction from experienced practitioners. This is good for those who have trouble focusing or need motivation, but it’s not entirely necessary for most of us. There are audio and video recordings available that can teach us to meditate in the comfort of our own homes.
Meditation carries no health risks, making it a good treatment option for anyone with anxiety. It can be used on its own for mild anxiety, or in conjunction with other treatments in more serious cases. Whether you’re just occasionally stressed out or have chronic anxiety, meditation can help.
Helpful Meditation Resources to Help with Anxiety:
A Time for Relaxation, Vol. 1: Guided Relaxation Techniques for Wellness
Simple Meditations for Complex Times
The FAST Technique for Stress Relief
