Mild Anxiety and Nervousness Remedy: Pressure Point Massage

Photo Credit: Alan Cleaver

Method:

1. With your hand use your knuckles and finger to massage pressure points on your body such as your temples, neck and forehead in circular motions while applying gentle pressure
2. Do this as often as needed until you feel calmer

Why it works?

Massage increases levels of serotonin which is a chemical that makes you feel happy. It also lowers the level of stress hormones. When you give yourself a massage it reduces the effects of cortisol and epinephrine. These are hormones which, in excessive amounts, damage body tissue. These are produced during anxiety episodes and stressful situations. By massaging yourself you reducing physical and mental damage. 

Headache Remedy: Nose Squeeze Method

Photo Credit: Frank Lindecke

Method:

1. With your thumb and forefinger, squeeze the part of skin between your upper lip and nose for 5 seconds 
2. Repeat as needed

Why it works

When you pinch or squeeze this part of your face you are affecting the nerves in your body. Squeezing blocks the specific nerve signals and decreases the pain caused by the headaches.

Headache Remedy: Lavender Massage

Ingredients:

Photo Credit: 2jaysjoju

• Lavender essential oil

Method:

1. Put a few drops of the oil on your index fingers and rub it on your temples and the muscles behind the neck.

Why it works

Lavender oil is able to penetrate the skin and affect the limbic system. This systems contributes control to your emotions. The lavender's affect on this system is soothing and pain reducing.