Spotlight on Mental Health: Natural Alternatives to Prescriptions

Spotlight on Mental Health: Natural Alternatives to Prescriptions

In today’s busy, stress-ridden, to-do-list lifestyle we are constantly bombarded by social media, technology and deadlines causing significant strain on our mental health.

 

More than half of Americans lose sleep due to stress and anxiety. In fact, anxiety is the most common mental disorder in the US affecting 40 million adults. Depression, PTSD, ADHD/ADD and Autism also affect the quality of life and vitality of millions of Americans every year.

 

It is common practice to use pharmaceuticals to treat mental health issues. Drug manufacturers and most physicians use medications as their go-to resource. However, many people are wary of the unwanted side effects that commonly come with anti-anxiety and anti-depression drugs.

 

There are many natural approaches to stress management and mental wellbeing that can help minimize the need for pharmaceutical interventions and improve your mood and mindset. Read on to learn about some of the more promising alternative therapies and what Advanced Health and Wellness has to offer for your mental health.

 

Meditation

Meditation has been shown to help improve self-awareness and self-esteem, reduce stress, manage anxiety and improve sleep. In a recent Johns Hopkin’s study, meditation was shown to rival antidepressant medication for its effect on depression.

Mindfulness Meditation means remaining intensely present and aware of your feelings and sensations. It’s being present as you walk, wash dishes and move through your day. It’s being aware of how your body feels when certain situations arise and simply softening and allowing things to be as they are instead of interpreting or judging what arises. Meditation trains the brain and can even benefit memory, attention and concentration.

 

Vibroacoustic Sound Beds

Sound, music and vibration have a profound effect on body and mind, being studied by NASA and the NIH. Sound is vibration, which can touch every part of your being. You hear sound through every cell in your body. Our Vibroacoustic Sound Beds help guide clients into a deep state of relaxation, minimizing stress, anxiety, insomnia and even pain. 

Sound Therapy enables a deep rest by down-shifting the normal Beta state brainwaves (awake and active consciousness) to Alpha state (calm, relaxed consciousness), and further still to Theta (meditative consciousness) and Delta states (where sleep and internal healing occur).

 

Vibroacoustic Sessions help:

 

• Improve Anxiety, PTSD and Mood

• Rest, Rejuvenate and Recharge

• Relax Physically, Mentally and Emotionally

• Balance Brainwaves and Quiet the Mind

• Encourage Clarity and Creativity

• Enhance Sleep and Renewal

• Decrease Stress and Pain

• Meditate and Awaken Your Consciousness

• Improve Circulation and Balance Blood Pressure

Medical researchers are proving what the ancient mystics and shamans seemed to know. The sensory experience provided by our Vibroacoustic Sound Beds allows you to feel the music, and vibrations lull your mind and body into an inner journey of peace and possibility.

 

Forest Bathing

Forest Bathing, otherwise known as time in nature, is gaining a lot of recent attention. However, in Japan it’s been prescribed for over 40 years as a preventative intervention for those suffering with depression, anxiety, mental health issues and even physical ailments, like high blood pressure.

 

Time in nature can include anything from walking in the forest to hiking in the mountains, sitting by the ocean or wading through streams. Unplugging from technology, slowing down and breathing in oxygen rich fresh air helps bring you into the present moment, aiding in relaxation and de-stressing.

 

At Advanced Health and Wellness we have a Halotherapy Salt Lounge that takes the beach experience to a new level. Think of a relaxing beach vacation in the city. Step into 1650 pounds of crushed salt sand and pick the perfect lounging spot. Then sit back, relax and breathe… as our Halogenerator releases salt air into the room for the most authentic seaside feel. 

 

Creative Expression and Journaling

Creative acts can help calm the mind and body. Gardening, sewing, drawing, dancing, scrapbooking or any other creative expression releases dopamine, a natural antidepressant, while helping reduce anxiety and process trauma.

 

Journaling allows you to get your inner dialogue, thoughts, fears and worries out of your head and onto paper so they don’t stay pent up. It can be used to help prioritize concerns and fears, release worries and track mental health over time. Stream of Consciousness journaling, simply writing whatever comes to mind for 10 minutes each morning, is one way to initiate a journaling practice.

 

Laughter and Play

According to clinical studies, playing and laughing can improve your mental health. Laughter can activate the release of Serotonin, the feel good neurotransmitter that many antidepressant drugs target. It can boost your mood and immune system, protect you from the effects of stress and diminish pain. So watch your favorite comedy, share some funny stories with friends or simply find a way to play like a kid again and watch your mental health improve.


 

These are just a handful of the many natural and alternative approaches to pharmaceuticals for mental health. At Advanced Health and Wellness we are committed to helping you Live Your Dream by offering services that support your optimal wellness ~ Body, Mind and Soul! Call 770.253.5040 to schedule an appointment for our Halotherapy Salt Lounge or Vibroacoustic Sound Beds today!