Did you know a decline in estrogen can lead to a reduction in serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and anxiety? I’ve never experienced anxiety until I reached menopause, and I literally thought I was going crazy.
What Does Anxiety Feel Like?
Anxiety can make you feel scared, or worried about things that may or may not be real or about to happen. Or maybe a feeling of impending doom may wash over you, or a sense that something bad is going to happen.
..feeling of impending doom may wash over you
Some women also experience chest tightness or pain, sweating, trembling or shaking, nausea, dizziness, or headaches. My symptoms also included a racing heart (especially at night) and shortness of breath. All of this contributes to even more anxiety and stress… sigh.
I’ve compiled a list of products that are proven to help calm anxiety and reduce stress. I hope they help you find peace and calm.
‘Seed’ your Gut
Scientists at the University of Florida say that stressful events can cause cortisol levels to go up for hours. Now, scientists think the problem may be caused by the lack of naturally occurring bacteria that “eat up” the cortisol you release.
The fix is to repopulate your gut with Bifidobacterium longum 1714. Bifidobacterium will continue to help you after you have taken it for at least 30 days.
Scientists in Germany have found that putting BL 1714 back into the gut makes theta brain waves go up, which makes people feel more relaxed.
Enjoy a Gummy
Have yourself a CBD gummy and chew on it whenever anxiety begins to creep up. A study done by the University of Colorado found that people who used the chewables without THC felt less anxious.
FAB CBD gummies contain 25 mg of CBD per gummy. These tasty gummies are are great for when you’re on the go.
Drink Holy Basil Tea
Try some holy basil tea is believed to have adaptogenic properties, which means it can help the body cope with stress. Research has shown that drinking holy basil tea may help to reduce stress and anxiety, and improve overall feelings of well-being.
Ashwagandha
Taking ashwagandha before bed can help calm your racing mind. The herb reduces the stress hormone cortisol, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep, according to a study conducted in India. In fact, some studies have suggested that ashwagandha may be helpful in improving sleep quality and reducing symptoms of insomnia.
Maharishi’s Worry Free blend of 9 synergistic botanicals includes ashwagandha to help ease worry or anxiousness throughout the day and support deeper sleep at night.
…studies show a significant improvement in focus and a decrease in stress in as little as a week
Try a Tincture
A tincture is a concentrated liquid herbal extracts often used in traditional herbal medicine for various purposes, including for their potential therapeutic effects on conditions like anxiety, insomnia, pain, and more.
Rhodiola
Try some rhodiola, also known as Rhodiola rosea, if you’ve found that stress has sapped your reserves of stamina and motivation. This flowering plant grows in the wild in the Arctic and Antarctic. It controls how much stress hormones the adrenal glands make. German studies show a significant improvement in focus and a decrease in stress in as little as a week (83%)! Rhodiola is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, extracts, and teas.
Grab Some GABA
GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) is known to have an anti-anxiety effect, helping to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. This is because it regulates the activity of neurons in the brain, which can help to reduce the feelings of overwhelm that often accompany anxiety. GABA has been shown to have a positive effect on mood, helping to reduce feelings of depression and improve overall emotional well-being.
Overall, stress and anxiety can cause you to have negative thoughts about yourself, the world, and the future. You may feel like you are unable to cope with challenges or that things are out of your control. It’s important to talk to a healthcare provider if you are experiencing chronic symptoms of stress, including depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns.
If you’ve tried any of the above, please let me know if they were helpful in bringing you some much-needed serenity.
