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Anxiety and low mood affect the whole person: thoughts, body and spirit. Here is a holistic look at gentle practices that may support wellbeing alongside care from your GP or psychologist.

Feeling it in the whole self

Anxiety is rarely just a thought. It can show up as a tight chest, a racing heart, broken sleep or a knot in the stomach. Low mood, too, often brings heaviness, fatigue and a sense of disconnection from the things we used to enjoy. A whole-person approach recognises that mind and body are intertwined, and at our Lane Cove practice we find it helps to look at the full picture.

Professional support is the foundation

Anxiety and depression are real health conditions. A GP, psychologist or counsellor can assess your situation and work with you on a plan, which may include talking therapies and, where appropriate, medication. Please do not change any medication without speaking to your doctor first. If you feel unsafe or are in crisis, call 000 or contact a support line such as Lifeline right away. Holistic practices can sit alongside this care.

Making space for feelings

Many people try to push painful emotions aside. A gentler path is to allow them some space: to notice the feeling, name it and treat it with the kind of patience you would offer a friend. Journalling, talking with someone you trust, or simply sitting quietly with a feeling can help it feel acknowledged.

Grounding through nature

Spending time outdoors is something many people find restoring. Try:

1. walking barefoot on the grass or along the sand
2. leaning against a large tree and noticing your breath
3. listening closely to birds, rustling leaves or running water
4. playing a recording of ocean waves in the evening to help you wind down before bed

These practices invite your attention back to the present moment and your senses.

Supporting the body

Gentle movement, regular meals, daylight and a steady sleep routine all support general wellbeing. Some people also use acupuncture or Chinese herbal medicine as part of their self-care, and find the quiet rest of a session relaxing. In TCM theory, emotions are closely linked with the flow of qi, though this is a traditional idea rather than medical fact.

Trusting the cycle

Life moves in rhythms, with times of energy and times of rest. Daoist philosophy encourages us to trust that rhythm. A difficult season can be an opportunity to slow down and reconsider what matters, while getting the support you deserve.