Health Anxiety ad fear - #2008

It sounds like the loss of your grandmother has put you in a tangle of emotions and anxiety, which is totally natural. Sometimes, big changes can shake us up, and our bodies react with anxiety, making it hard to settle your mind and body down. In Ayurveda, this could be a sign of a Vata imbalance, since Vata dosha has this airy and moving quality that, when off-balance, can lead to feelings of fear and panic.

One thing to consider is grounding yourself with routines and calming practices to bring your Vata back into balance. Practically, that means creating a daily routine that feels nourishing and consistent. Try waking up and going to sleep at the same time everyday, maybe with a warm cup of herbal tea that calms the nerves, like chamomile. Meals, too, should be taken at regular intervals and preferably warm, cooked foods that are easy on digestion.

A bit of self-massage with warm sesame oil before a bath can also soothe the nervous system. Pay attention to your diet, incline towards more grounding foods like root vegetables, nuts, and whole grains can also be helpful. Avoid raw, cold, and dry foods as much as possible.

Breathing exercises like alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana) have been found really effective for calming anxiety too. Try spending about 5-10 minutes practising this each day.

Next, try and see if there’s some movement you enjoy – like yoga or even a short walk, just to keep your body and mind connected. Be gentle with yourself, that’s crucial.

If these suggestions don’t seem to help after a good few weeks, it might be worth chatting with someone who can guide you through what you’re feeling, a counselor or a therapist. It sounds like your anxiety is giving you a hard time, and it’s always best to get to the root of it with a bit of support.