A few days ago I took a road trip with my husband.  For most people, this scenario is rather uneventful, but for me it's always been a sort of milestone.  Back when I was battling anxiety, traveling often caused me to soar off the deep end.  I would constantly cancel plans with people, avoid driving out of my way and shun trips just so I wouldn't have to face the travel.  Even if it was a half hour away, it used to cause me to launch into panic attack mode.  

I was creative in finding ways to cope (before I actually took time to find a healthy way to handle things).  I OD'd on immodium and pepto pills 'just in case' my stomach acted up.  I would change my diet to basic light carbs and eliminate anything out of the ordinary - and I definitely wouldn't eat out for at least 3 days before the trip so I was in full control of what went into my stomach.  I also developed another unhealthy obsession that I was convinced would help... I practically eliminated all liquids from my diet.  I dehydrated myself just so I wouldn't have to use the bathroom.  I also eliminated coffee and caffeine to avoid possible stomach issues, even though I drank those things nearly every day and never had a problem.  If I was traveling in the morning, I stopped eating and drinking the afternoon prior.  And no food or drinks would pass my lips if I was traveling at night.  I used to drive people nuts with my rules.  But, I believed it would help me.  And even if it didn't physically make a difference, it mentally made a difference in my anxiety.  

So as I was traveling on this last trip, I realized that I was looking forward to grabbing a cup of java on the road.  I also no longer worry about medicine or bathroom pit stops.  I drank two full glasses of water that morning to stay hydrated and we even left super early in the AM- which used to be a big NO NO for me because early mornings were my most anxious and I never did ANYTHING in early mornings that could potentially cause me more stress.  Right before we were heading back home, we had dinner with friends.  At a restaurant.  I smiled to myself reflecting on my journey and how far I've really come.  

It definitely wasn't a quick trip to get here, but it was absolutely worth it.  I know sometimes when we're in the middle of this struggle it feels like we'll never see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Sometimes we don't even remember what it feels like to have our stressors become neutral.  But they do.  And I fully believe in celebrating each and every step along the way.  

Just like traveling... it's all about the journey! 

xo b

I am so excited to share my yoga journey with Gaiam Life this month! Learn how yoga helped me heal from anxiety and what I learned about myself on the mat
http://blog.gaiam.com/blog/anxiety-to-zen-an-open-letter-to-yoga/

So excited to share some yogic stress busting techniques with GirlieGirlArmy!  

Check the article out here: http://girliegirlarmy.com/wellness-2/20130315/mind-over-matter-3-tips-for-mentally-letting-go-of-anxiety/

Try one out today! 

xo b

I often preach the benefits of yoga and exercise in helping us to alleviate anxiety and stress.  Sometimes a good sweat session and stretch on the mat can clear the mind and rid the body of tension.  But what's not often mentioned is the power of our diets.  I've touched on it before, but I wanted to drill home the point that diet does play a major contributing factor in how we feel.  And it definitely plays a role in how we feel when we are dealing with anxiety.  Here's a few important tips to consider the next time you pull up a chair at the kitchen table:

1. Transition to a more plant-friendly diet 
Eating a more plant-based diet creates more harmony inside your body.  It decreases inflammation and helps ward off illnesses, aches and pains that may cause us to stress about our health. With our bodies performing at optimal health, we can alleviate stress. 


2. Eat hormone-free food
if you do choose to keep meat and dairy in your diet, try to choose hormone free.  Excess hormones that you consume from meat and dairy can create a hormonal imbalance within you and affect mental health. 


3. Ditch the caffeine, sugar and other stimulants 
Caffeine and sugar can sometimes cause anxious symptoms similar to those we feel when dealing with panic.  The jitters, racing heart and excess energy cause us to feel like we're having a panic attack even when we're not. Swap out the coffee for herbal tea and get your sweet fix with some fresh fruit.  

4. Take your vitamins
Add supplements to your diet and eat a variety of leafy greens.  Vitamin deficiencies cause stress, anxiety and depression.  Take a walk and enjoy some vitamin D courtesy of the sun and make sure to take include niacin your diet (a B vitamin that helps combat depression). I also like to add Maca powder, an adaptogen, to my smoothies to help keep me calm, cool and collected! 
 
5. Eat foods that support your body functions and organs
Try things like coconut oil, nuts and sea vegetables to maintain thyroid health.  Thyroid conditions have been linked to anxiety, as well as depression. Try blueberries and salmon to keep a healthy heart and make sure to stay hydrated and keep your blood sugar in check to avoid feeling dizzy or lightheaded, which also sometimes mimics anxious symptoms.  

Here's to your health!

xo b 
 

I saw this post this morning on Facebook. I wanted to share it with you because I think the message is powerful. Two things stand out to me here:
1) anxiety, stress and depression are NOT signs of weakness. It doesn't mean a person can't cope or handle things. It definitely doesn't mean a person should be embarrassed. And in no way is it a handicap.

2) you are not alone. I spent years believing I was the only person in the world experiencing anxiety and panic attacks. It wasn't until I became vocal about it- Sharing my story with anyone interested enough in listening - that I began to feel really connected to people. Students in my workshops and classes were currently dealing with what I had gone through. The knowing smiles I'd see when I described how I felt during panic attacks and the nods from people when I explained my triggers were powerful connectors for me and gave me even more desire to share my work and yoga with others.

Let's commit to sharing this powerful info during Mental Health Awareness week.

xo b