World Mental Health Day: 3 therapies to reduce stress and anxiety

During these times, there are a lot of stressors present in our environment. Would you prefer taking medicines or going for alternative therapies to heal your mind? Nowadays, the treatment and recovery of mental health often involves the use of pharmaceuticals. However, just because the medical system promotes medicines as their “go to” option does not imply that they are the only or best means to heal mental health problems. Numerous complementary and alternative therapies have drawn a lot of interest. Acupressure, Reiki, homoeopathy, and acupuncture are a few popular forms of treatment or therapies to reduce stress and anxiety.

We have three experts who have shared some light on the alternative therapies that can help one manage stress and anxiety.

Here are 3 best therapies that can help you heal by reducing stress and anxiety:

1. Stress management with mindfulness

The thing that we need to exercise for stress management is the concept of rumination. The time when you know that you have to switch off your mind from work, stop checking your email or phone for notifications and alerts and focus on yourself to feel refreshed. Instead of thinking about the same thing over and over again, detach yourself from the thoughts and take a break and meditate. “Set your working hours very strictly and opt for a working environment which kind of appreciates and values your time. Another way to handle stress at work is to address your concerns very often to the management. A lot of times the employees are very reluctant to put forward their point of view, their feeling of anxiety or stress to the higher management thinking that it won’t leave a good impression, in my opinion that’s the worst that they can do for themselves. They must refer or address the management or the person in concern and tell them that the problem they are facing will help maintain a happy environment to work and excel in your life,” says etiquette coach Apoorvaa Aagarwal.

2. Art therapy

Art therapy is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative therapy. Art therapy is a technique rooted in the idea that creative expression can foster healing and mental well being. One does not require a background in art to practice art therapy. Akshita Gandhi, who is an internationally acclaimed multi-media artist, says, “It is about connecting with your inner self and expressing without any rules. Formal art therapy programs only began in the 1940, American art therapy association recognized this creative approach as a therapeutic way to deal with mental illness. Art is an escape in many ways and helps us in communicating where words fall short. People suffering from mental illness or breakdowns of any sort can resort to dealing with it in ways that may be self sabotaging but art therapy is not only an enjoyable process, it’s also convenient and easier to practice than many other forms of therapy.”

Also, read: World Mental Health Day: 9 experts reveal their secret to being calm, cool and composed

Study supports that it has been widely accepted and used around the world to treat and help people suffering from mental illnesses, disorders and emotional distress.

Some benefits of art therapy

• Helps gain personal insight
• Healthy way of dealing with stress
• Coping with anxiety/depression

3. Spiritual and religious healing

Spiritual and religious healing therapies can help promote a holistic well-being and can cure a variety of diseases across the world. Such therapies are not based on material things, they are immeasurable and can bring in a sense of comfort, empowerment and control and can help one heal actively in his or her own care.

Also, read: World Mental Health Day: 5 daily habits to improve your mental health

Harshit Malik, an enrichment guide, wisdom coach and an entrepreneur, says, “Today, there are many therapeutic care programs as well that offer spiritual support and help the body lower the level of stress and anxiety hormones. Religious healing therapies require one to have a strong belief in God or some other higher being. Prayers can help one’s spiritual being connect to God and can be an act of respect, awe and praise for the higher being. Spiritual and religious beliefs help in developing a balance of energy, especially when a person is facing death or any other difficult illnesses.”

Tips to excel in the journey of spiritual and religious healing:

• Get an adequate amount of sleep (6-8 hours)
• Maintain a nutritious diet
• Avoid using your phone in the morning
• Exercise regularly
• Find solace in meditating, journaling,music and talking to your friends
• Read self-help books

However, it is important to look for only such methods that fit and work the best for an individual.