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On The Food Freedom Lab Podcast today, I am chatting with Lisa Poe, or @AdventuresAndAnxiety to pick her brain on all things anxiety. Guest Lisa dives deep into how anxiety presented itself in her life and how she decided to take control of it. Lisa created her beautiful Adventures and Anxiety platform to share her experience with others. Here she creates a space where others can come to her and not feel so alone in their anxiety.
Lisa is knowledgeable on mental health, anxiety, and making the most of every day. What I love about Lisa is her ability to be honest and vulnerable about her experiences to help others going through the same things.
“My mantra for the month: “to know thyself”. Through all of these thoughts, feelings and experiences, I am learning who I am more and more each day. I’m learning what brings me joy and what brings me sadness. Furhter, I’m learning the details and reasons for my anxiety triggers, and how to handle them when they arise. I’m learning to listen more and to talk less. I’m learning that kindness goes a long way, that life is not a competition, and truly, that everyone has their own story (and most people want to tell it).” – Lisa Poe
I am excited to welcome Lisa to the podcast today to discuss how to thrive with anxiety. If you struggle with anxiety – no matter how big or small – this episode will offer something for you.
WHO IS LISA POE?
Lisa Poe started her Instagram dedicated to all things anxiety on World Mental Health Day 2 years ago. Since then, this platform (along with her blog) has become a passion project for her to share her experience with anxiety. When beginning this platform, her tagline was “the anxiety-beating girl.” However, now she has learned that anxiety is not something you necessarily overcome but rather find peace with. Now her tagline is “the girl who thrives with anxiety.” And let me tell you, Lisa is doing just that!
WHEN IS ANXIETY A PROBLEM?
Lisa said that she always had anxiety, but it wasn't until her late teens that her anxiety started to consume her. She states that her anxiety was controlling every part of her day. She knew she needed to ask for help. Lisa initially went to a doctor, who referred her to a therapist. And it wasn't until she found a therapist that she felt was right for her that she finally felt seen and like she wasn't crazy for feeling the way she was.
WHAT ABOUT MEDICINE?
Mental Health medicine has such a negative stigma around it that I wanted to make sure Lisa touched on this and shared her personal experience with medicine. When Lisa initially started therapy, she didn't want to go on medicine – like many, she didn't want medicine to change her, and she believed she could handle this on her own. It wasn't until Lisa realized she was doing everything right for her mental health and still feeling bad she considered medicine and never looked back. Lisa states that the medicine gave her a ceiling where she would still feel anxious, but it would only get so high before she could calm down again.
MIXING NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS WITH MEDICATION
The three natural supplements that Lisa discusses in this episode are
01. Ashwagandha
“Ashwa-WHAT? My thoughts exactly when I first read (and then tried to spell correctly) the word. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen; adaptogens are herbal remedies that have been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic healing traditions, such as ginseng and Rhodiola (to name a few!).
In short, adaptogens are said to help your body handle stress. I’ve tried a couple of these herbs, including both ashwagandha and Rhodiola, but I prefer ashwagandha. If I take it regularly, I just feel more balanced overall.”
Click here for the Ashwagandha Lisa recommends.
02. Magnesium
“Magnesium is responsible for over 300 reactions in the body (!!!), including support of the immune system, bone strength, and muscle and nerve function. More importantly – for this post, at least! – research shows magnesium may help with brain functions that reduce stress and anxiety. WINNING.
I mix a scoop of whole-food magnesium powder in water before bed a few nights a week, especially when I need a good night’s sleep. It always helps me to sleep harder + wake up feeling restored!”
Want to get magnesium through food? Add more leafy greens, avocado, nuts, and seeds (all organic, when possible!) to your diet.”
Click here for Lisa's recommendation on magnesium powder.
03. Probiotic
“In a nutshell, taking care of your gut = taking care of your brain. The main purpose of taking a probiotic is to support your digestive system, but research shows that this supplement is a 2-for-1 special with the positive effects it has on your mood. One more science-y note: depression has been linked to inflammation, and probiotics have been linked to decreasing inflammation in the body.”
Click here for the probiotic Lisa recommends.
HOW TO SUPPORT SOMEONE WITH ANXIETY
Read Lisa's blog on how to be there for someone who is struggling with anxiety or depression here.
MORE FROM LISA’S EPISODE:
What is the best self-care you can do if you struggle with anxiety? And do you overcome panic attacks? Lisa is dropping all the #truth today on how to do just that! Press play on the player above to listen now!
Connect with Lisa at @AdventuresandAnxiety on Instagram, and if you are interested in reading Lisa's blog, click here.
