Relieving Anxiety with Āyurveda

​Feeling anxious? Anxiety is one of the most common sufferings among the current population. (Not to mention the fear of the unknown around the current situation regarding COVID-19!). While you should talk to you doctor to determine if medication is needed, there are practices you can implement into your daily lifestyle to combat this type of stress. Here are a few of my favorites.
 
Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breath):
Create a peace symbol with your dominant hand, then lower the peace sign (index and middle finger) and raise the thumb, ring and pinky fingers. With your palm facing you, close off the right nostril with your thumb, exhaling through the left. Inhale through the left nostril, then close off the left nostril at the top of the breath with your ring finger, release your thumb from the right nostril to open for the exhale. Repeat back and forth, alternating nostrils. This breath work technique regulates the right and left hemispheres of the brain and clams the nervous system.
 
Metta Meditation:
Repeat 4x, first directing the words to yourself, then to a loved one, to an acquaintance, and lastly to someone you are having difficulty with. If the last round provides to be too difficult, use the final round to direct the words to all sentient beings.
            “May I/you feel protected and safe,
             May I/you feel contented and pleased,
             May my/your body support you with strength,
             May my/your life unfold smoothly and with ease.”
 
Community:
Instead of using technology to scroll through fearful articles or social media arguments, call your friends and family using FaceTime (or a similar platform) so that you can see their faces while you connect. Make a commitment to limit and use social media for promoting good.
 
Aromatherapy:
The olfactory system is one of the fastest ways to connect to the central nervous system. Unpleasant or bad smells actually send pain signals to the brain to warn us of possible danger. Alternately, pleasant fragrances tell the body it can relax. Commonly used fragrances to mellow out to include lavender, rose, frankincense, ylang ylang and cinnamon.
 
Oil:
Oiling my feet before bed with organic sesame oil guides the energy downward and pacifies the vata dosha. Wipe off excess oil and wear socks if desired.