2020: Stress, Anxiety, and Depression Part III

 2020: Stress, Anxiety, and Depression Part III

Whether it’s the pandemic, the fires, or the election, it seems like all of us are feeling the effects of 2020. For some of us that means anxiety, for some it means depression. Some of us aren’t sleeping, some of us are frustrated by online schooling and having our plans messed up. What follows is a list of coping strategies. Not every strategy will work well for every person. Pick one or two.  Commit to them regularly. I was going to write this all in one swoop, but I have a lot to write and I want to get this out soon. More to come!

1. Abdominal Tapping Sounds crazy, but tapping on the spot right below your belly button has numerous beneficial effects. It warms the lower dan tien, one of the energy centers of the body, promoting good digestion. It also helps to pull the energy from your brain (your racing thoughts and worry) down back into the core of your body. To perform abdominal tapping, make sure you start out with an empty bladder and loose, comfortable clothes. Either stand with your knees bent or sit up straight in a chair. Breathe slowly and deeply. Gently tap the area beneath your belly button with open palms or loose fists for about three minutes. Check in to see how you feel afterwards. You can work up to five or ten minutes if you like. 
2. Nature Now that the smoke is calming down, it’s possible for most of us to get out in nature. There have been many, many books and articles written on our disconnect from nature. he mental and physical benefits of getting outside are legion. Being out in nature improves mood and immunity. Exercising in nature has been proven to feel more energizing. “In a study done in Japan, researchers found that after a 20 minute walk in the forest, participants had lower concentrations of cortisol, lower pulse rate, lower blood pressure, greater parasympathetic nerve activity, and lower sympathetic nerve activity than those who spent time in the city instead.” https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/the-5-switches-of-manliness-nature/
3. Daily Energy Routine Donna Eden is the founder of Eden Energy Medicine. A healer friend of mine makes it a mandatory requirement that every one of her clients commit to doing the   Daily Energy Routine  every day. It only takes about five minutes each day. My friend reports she sees great health gains in those who follow do the exercises regularly. Those who practice the Daily Energy Routine report more energy, less pain, reduced depression, and greater mental clarity. To be fair I haven’t been able to make it a part of my daily self care, but every time I do the exercises, I *do* feel increased vitality and decreased stress. Check it out and see what you think: https://edenenergymedicine.com/donnas-daily-energy-routine/

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Left Hand Community Acupuncture offers an affordable sliding scale of $40-$65. We do not ask for proof of income. You decide what you feel is fair to you and fair to us. We treat patients in a relaxed, group setting that promotes an atmosphere of healing. Caroline Adams is a Licensed Acupuncturist and nationally board certified. Acupuncture can help with a wide range of health issues including pain, stress, insomnia, arthritis, allergies, depression, headaches, fatigue, cold and flu, digestive issues, PMS, and many other health concerns. 

http://lefthandacu.com  
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