The first tool I use to manage my anxiety.

Last week I sent an email about how I'm finally starting to get on top of my stress- after 10+ years. 😖

Over those years I had points where I felt a lot better, but never consistently and never for more than a few weeks. I could never pinpoint a trigger for feeling better or worse, so it just seemed like a rollercoaster. 🎢

My physical symptoms included:

• Acne

• Extreme mental exhaustion & physical fatigue (I would sleep for 12+ hours a day, and still feel exhausted)

• Loss of appetite, then wild cravings and hunger

• Weight gain

• Aching limbs

• Upset stomach, noxious farts & irregular bowel movements (if this is TMI I don't know how you got here 😂)

• Constantly feeling like I was getting sick

• Headaches

• Super sensitive to cold

  (There are more, but I feel like these are the most common I hear from people who are also struggling with a dysregulated nervous system.) 

I had seen so many specialists and doctors who all told me there was nothing wrong and as all my tests came back normal there was nothing they could do for me, which was so demoralising. I spent years just thinking that this was the best life could be, and trying to push through my symptoms.

UNTIL...

At the start of this year I started seeing Synta at Euneek Health for acupuncture. When I left my third session I couldn't believe the profound change that I felt in myself and how for the first time in years I could see that how I was feeling wasn't normal.

I felt as though there was a euphoric bliss floating through my body.

From that point I spent the last 6 months researching tools to help me balance my nervous system, and I want to share the ones that have given me the most instantaneous benefits for my body.

Starting with the most commonly known, but most easily disregarded tool: ✨ MEDITATION ✨.

We KNOW the science supports the efficacy of meditation for improved mental health and life enjoyment, but it is so easily written off as too airy fairy.

I have used meditation on and off for years for this exact reason. I would use guided tracks and for a few weeks really vibe with them, and notice a big improvement. Then I would spend weeks trying to find a track that wasn't too spiritual, and I would get frustrated and stop for months.

I believed meditation only using music was for people who are hard core into mediation which was beyond me.

Until I learned about binaural beats.

"Binaural beats are an auditory illusion where your brain perceives a third sound (the "beat") when different frequencies are played in each ear. This "beat" is the difference between the two frequencies, and is thought to potentially influence brainwave activity, leading to various effects like relaxation, focus, or even altered states of consciousness."

This form of sound stimulation seems to have a physical impact on my mind and body, in a way guided tracks have never.

I play the low frequency tracks before I go to bed to help slow down and bring some calm into my world before sleep. I choose lower frequency tracks (delta & theta waves) because they can induce a calming effect on the brain, while higher frequency (alpha & beta waves) bring clarity & focus. 🌊

The app I use for meditation is Insight timer. I have used the free option of this app for years and highly recommend it.

I search binaural beats and pick a track that's title sounds the nicest.

🎧 Headphones are a must! 🎧

Then I lay down and just focus on listening to the music.

In the old days I would try to clear my mind or think about whatever the guided meditation is telling me to, and sometimes this would work, but not consistently. 🧠

Now I just listen to the music & feel.

Feel my body; my heart beat, my deep breaths and the slowness that I desperately needed.

The science behind binaural beats is still lacking, but just because the science hasn't caught up doesn't mean there is not evidence supporting this style of meditation is impacting women globally. 🌏

If you're struggling to get on top of your stress and exercise alone isn't cutting it then try giving meditation another crack. 🧘‍♀️

I'll continue sharing the tools that are working for me over the next few weeks, and I can't wait to see if they impact your life as much as they are impacting mine. 🔨

I would love to hear back from you if you have any tools which helped you, and you think I should try. Or if you try binaural beats and they have a huge impact on you too!

Disclaimer: These are tools are what I have found to be beneficial for me.

They are not intended to be used as, or in replacement of, medical advice, if you are struggling with your mental health please reach out to a professional.

Shea 🧠