Serotonin Increase/cortisol Decrease

[Guest ~wAvE WeT sAnD~]

No meds for me--please help!!!

Sometimes I'm in good shape emotionally--but I just want the stress/nervousness/anxiety to go away.

Thanks,

[Niteyx13]

Do you drink caffeine? I have noticed that it makes my anxiety worse (even though I still drink it - I drink it less than I once did). I have also found that if I get my mind on something else, that helps. Things like reading, praying, working out help me a lot. I was on meds once, and I don't blame you for not wanting to be on them.

[Guest ~wAvE WeT sAnD~]

YES---I drink lots of caffeine. Is the reaction from stopping and then starting again? It seems as if when I don't drink coffee for a day or two, then have a cup, I get nervous, anxious, and so unbelievably sensitive---I could cry at the drop of a pin!!! Thank you so much for replying.

[tarnalberry]

going on and off caffeine will DEFINITELY make the symptoms worse. caffeine withdrawl can be quite an icky thing. you're best bet is to wean off slowly, and then stay off. one thing to note here, in relation to your other post, is that caffeine - while it makes you feel more awake - actually has been shown to DECREASE mental acuity, and that may be playing a role.

vigorous exercise, and the subsequent release of endorphins from it, is known to help reduce corisol levels and help you sleep better in general. other stress management methods may be helpful as well. I know how busy it can get in school, and sometimes, you sorta wonder when you're supposed to find the time to breathe, but it's important to listen to your body.

[Guest ~wAvE WeT sAnD~]

Thank you, Tiffany!! I'm taking your suggestion.

[pamelaD]

My suggestion is YOGA.

I have found that yoga has not only strengthened my core muscles and made me a more fit person, but also has helped with stress. Yoga can be very centering and grounding. The relaxation/mediatation aspect is what really makes it wonderful.

I would suggest, though, that you find a yoga studio to join instead of just taking classes at a park district or school where they are more into the fitness part of yoga instead of the meditation/breating/relaxation.

Good Luck,

Pam

[tarnalberry]

I agree with pamela - yoga is my favorite form of stress management. I started taking it for other reasons, but the process of going to class, after driving and getting off work, then sitting down at the mat and learning to center yourself and leave all the "stuff in your head" at the door, is a valuable technique that you can apply all the time and anywhere, once your brain gets accustomed to you learning to make that real mental shift.

[Guest ~wAvE WeT sAnD~]

I see...I would definitely have to work on my flexibility (I have none).

I'm a cross country runner. Running has helped, but if I've already had caffeine earlier (see other post), my cortisol levels will be higher.

I'm getting there.

Thanks for the suggestion!