A relatively new buzz word, you may have heard the idea of holistic care being thrown around in conversation before. However, what does the word holistic really mean? This approach to many different kinds of care believes in looking at the whole person, the complete collection of needs associated with the mind, body, and spirit. Instead of looking at one of these factors at a time, such as a doctor looking at the body and a therapist looking at the mind, a holistic approach to any kind of care takes all three areas into account at once when building treatment plans.
You may be wondering, how can holistic care be applied to anxiety treatment? Over the years we have learned that the best course of action when combatting anxiety touches on all three aspects: mind, body, and spirit. Anxiety affects more than just the mind, it often shows up in every aspect of our lives, so we have to tackle it from a well-rounded perspective.
How do we treat anxiety using the mind?
Mindfulness, or staying present in the moment to experience thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment, is an amazing way to tackle anxiety. It can decrease stress, overthinking, and help you manage difficult emotions. It sounds easy as well, right? Just stay in the moment! But in practice, utilizing mindfulness can be tricky. It takes time and practice to really hone in on the craft of staying aware while accepting uncomfortable feelings. Utilizing mindfulness exercises already created by amazing mental health professionals is a great way to start.
Mindfulness walks are a fantastic way to dip your toes in. While they are often completed outside, these walks can happen wherever is best for you. As you are walking, notice your body movements with each step. After settling into the movements, begin to look at your surroundings while tapping into your senses. Can you see flowers budding? Can you hear birds chirping? Can you smell cut grass? Can you feel pavement or rocks beneath your feet? Can you feel the wind? Notice how you feel internally as you walk, and how your emotions feel as you tap into the world around you.
Another popular mindfulness trick to utilize during moments of distress or panic is the five senses activity. When your thoughts feel tangled, or you can feel stress climbing, this is a great way to bring yourself back to baseline. You begin by accessing your sight sense and listing five items you can see. Next, you pinpoint four things you can feel. The countdown continues with listing three things you can hear. Finally, two things you can smell and one thing you can taste. The focus and thought processes needed to complete this practice can pull you back into your body so you can better tackle whatever stressor is in front of you.
Another amazing way to focus on the mind when treating anxiety is going to therapy. Whether you attend group or support sessions, couples counseling, EMDR therapy, or one-on-one sessions, trained mental health professionals can help you process anxious thoughts and build a treatment plan best suited to you in order to help you thrive. No matter what your experiences with anxiety are, there are people who are ready to listen and begin a healing journey with you.
How can you treat anxiety by looking at the body?
Physical and mental health often work in tandem with each other to determine our state of being. Because of this, how we nurture and support our body can in turn affect how we feel. Working with a registered dietitian is a great way to learn how to fuel your body in fun and meaningful ways. Trying new recipes and making food part of self-care can be amazingly impactful.
Food is not the only way to support your mental health through the body, however. Movement can be an incredible tool to physically support your mental health and combat anxious feelings. This looks different for everyone. For some, working out at a gym is their preferred way to incorporate movement into their lives. For others, it may look like dancing in your living room, jumping on a trampoline with your kids, or taking morning walks. No matter how it fits into your lifestyle, moving your body can do wonders for tackling an overactive mind or physical anxiety symptoms.
What does spirit have to do with anxiety?
How we fuel our spirit, how we foster joy, love, and acceptance, can deeply impact our mood and outlook on life. When spirits are low, there can be more room for anxious thoughts or feelings to find their way in. Taking care of our spirit, however, can look vastly different depending on the individual. One way people find incredible amounts of joy is through their religion and spiritual beliefs. It can be a way to tap into levels of comfort and happiness that are amazingly supportive when our thoughts and feelings become difficult to manage.
However, religion isn’t the only way to tap into the spirit when dealing with anxiety. Meditation, whether it’s through breath work, visualization practices, or using mantras to get through hard days, can be just as uplifting. Taking advantage of four-count breathing, finding a happy place in your mind, or repeating phrases that spark your strength, are all ways to access deeper parts of ourselves. Finally, following your joy and creating intentional space for things that make you happy can be a surprisingly powerful way to fuel your spirit.
Overall, a holistic approach is a great way to target anxiety from every angle. By focusing on the mind, you are able to reset your emotions and process difficult thoughts. With the body, you can set nurturing habits that support your overall well being. And feeding the spirit can elevate your mood to help combat highly anxious moments. This new perspective on anxiety treatment can be deeply helpful, so why not start today?
Want to learn more about holistic anxiety treatment? Our incredible therapists here at Manhattan Wellness are ready to start that journey with you. We understand that learning to tackle anxiety can be intimidating. With our amazing group of therapists, you don’t have to navigate the process all on your own. A dedicated team working out of Manhattan, Brooklyn, or anywhere in New York, our clinicians are ready to help you start a journey of empowerment and self care. Follow these steps to get started:
- Embark on this empowering path to a more confident you
- Contact Manhattan Wellness today or email us at hello@manhattanwellness.org
- Schedule your first appointment with one of our Manhattan therapists
THERAPY SERVICES FOR ANXIETY WE OFFER IN MANHATTAN & BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
The truth is, there’s no single or one-size-fits-all approach to anxiety treatment. Everyone has a different approach to managing anxiety and anxious thoughts. That is why it’s important to get clear on what works for you. Once you have a better understanding of yourself and your values, you can start designing your life based on the things that are most important to you.
Therapy for women in Manhattan and Brooklyn is a great way to figure out how to manage your anxious mind. At Manhattan Wellness, we will provide you with a safe space to explore your feelings and goals. So you can find clarity on what you want for yourself. We will pair your vulnerability with our empathy and encouragement. Then together we will uncover the key elements that will take you from where you are now to where you want to be. If you are ready to make the changes you want in your life:
- Submit a Contact Form or Email Us at hello@manhattanwellness.org
- Learn More About Our Team of Female Therapists and Our Areas of Expertise
- Let’s Talk About How We Can Help You Feel Empowered & Ready To Take The Next Step.
We believe that you have the power within yourself to make the changes you want and find your version of success. Our female therapists are here to support you in navigating this journey. Allowing you to reclaim your identity and take control of your life. Thus allowing you to create the future you’ve been dreaming of.
OTHER THERAPY SERVICES AT MANHATTAN WELLNESS IN MANHATTAN, WESTCHESTER, BROOKLYN & THROUGHOUT NEW YORK
At Manhattan Wellness, our therapists are here to support you in navigating this journey and reclaiming your identity. So you can take control of your life and create the future you’ve been dreaming of. This is why we offer a variety of services to ensure you get the support, care, and guidance necessary. The therapy services we offer are Therapy for Maternal Mental Health, Self-Esteem Counseling, and Anxiety Treatment. Along with Dating/Relationship Counseling, Counseling for College Students, and more. Feel as if you are not living the life you deserve? Let’s talk about it.
