Finding My Own Path with Natural Well-being

[Guest_10343]

Hi everyone,

I'm new here and feeling a bit nervous about posting, but I’ve been reading through some of your stories and feel a real sense of community. It’s comforting to know I’m not alone in trying to navigate the ups and downs of my mental health.

For a long time, my journey with anxiety has felt like being caught in a storm. There are good days, of course, but on the bad days, it's hard to find my footing. Recently, I've started exploring some more natural and holistic ways to support myself, not as a replacement for professional help, which has been so important, but as something extra I can do for myself.

It started with small things, like paying more attention to what I eat and noticing how it affects my mood. I’ve been trying to get out for a short walk every day, even when it feels like the last thing I want to do. It’s not a magic cure, but sometimes just feeling the sun or the breeze helps to quiet the noise in my head for a little while.

I've also been trying to practice a bit of mindfulness. It feels a bit strange sometimes, just sitting and focusing on my breath, and my mind wanders a lot. But I'm learning to be gentle with myself about it. The goal isn't to be perfect, but just to give myself a few moments of calm.

It can feel a bit isolating at times when you're trying to make these kinds of changes. I was wondering if anyone else here has explored more holistic or natural approaches alongside their other treatments? I’d love to hear about your experiences – what’s worked for you, what hasn’t, and how you stay motivated.
It feels good to be taking these small, positive steps for myself. It’s a slow process, but for the first time in a while, I feel like I’m building a little toolkit of things that can help me through the tougher days.

Thanks for reading.

[Allira]

hello guest, well done for posting and reaching out, you definitely are not alone on this path.

navigating ups and downs are a part of life's journey for self-growth.

i am also into natural holistic practices, such as mindfulness, meditation and yoga which i find help me center myself, get out of my head and witness the beauty of life around me, which in turn then makes me feel grateful to be experiencing life.

walking is a great way to clear my mind too, i don't have a dog, but occasionally ask my neighbor if i can walk her daschound and they are grateful i do that. i go to the local library and see what events are on and try to attend some things of interest. connecting to the local community is very important to me, hence i have joined a few sports things such as pickleball, it is a great way to meet people, while exercising, having a laugh and fun. i ensure i take myself out for coffee and breakfast a couple of times a month, trying new cafes at times and i know there is nothing wrong with nurturing myself this way. occasionally will ask a friend for an afternoon or bfast catchup. i have found when i ring a friend or family member and say, im just checking in to see how you are going, just a simple light conversation, nothing too heavy, after i hang up i realise i am loved and i also love the way i care for myself as well. these are the tools i have in my toolkit for when i have the harder days.

[Happylife]

Hello and a warm welcome,

Firstly, thank you for reaching out and sharing your story, really appreciate it. As mentioned, you are definitely not alone in this and you have come to the right place where there is no judgement. We are all going through our own journey of mental health challenges and are here to support each other.

I am myself an overthinker which then makes me feel anxious sometimes. I also, like to explore more natural and holistic ways to calm myself rather than medication. Mindfulness, yoga really works for me to bring attention to the body. I also love walking everyday which helps me think clearly. Breathing techniques like box breathing, mindful eating, exercise, having a regular sleep schedule, listening to music, connecting with people also helps.

Every day I try to take small, attainable steps (baby steps) which helps me to be more in control and less anxious.

Happy to help if you want to chat more...

Take care

Happylife

[Annas1]

Hello,

Thanks very much for offering your thoughts about how to care for yourself, especially when feeling anxious or overwhelmed. I have very similar reflections about the need for the right professional support and the importance of developing my own capacities to care and nurture myself.

I too have a sense of overwhelming anxiety as like being in a storm. Sometimes the build up is obvious, but at others it can take me quite unawares. This can shake my sense of inner confidence, and then that critical, undermining voice appears to seal the deal. Today is a moderate version of a storm. I tend to lose sleep when I'm preoccupied, and this leaves me weary and pessimistic. It is also a time when I am vulnerable to anxiety as my reserves are low if I am triggered by circumstances.

So, you post is really helpful. You've encouraged me to remember all the little things I do and have worked on to build my inner resilience and ease. I am going to focus today on being more curious about my inner state rather than furious about feeling low and tender. It's all about being kind, as you say, rather than harsh and critical with myself. I also want to make room for gratitude - my life is really very blessed, and it is my patterns of harsh judgement which make things more difficult than needed.

The kindness I want to extend to myself today is that I do belong - in my family, in my frienships, in my connections - however imperfect or upset I may feel. We always belong, just as we are. There is no other way to be.

Take care all