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8 Questions To Ask Yourself When Anxiety Strikes

8 Questions To Ask Yourself When Anxiety Strikes

by | Cognitive Health

8 Questions to Ask Yourself When Anxiety Strikes

Anxiety can strike suddenly, leaving you feeling overwhelmed, panicked, and out of control. Heart racing, hands sweating, mind spiraling—it’s a feeling many of us know all too well.

But did you know that anxiety isn’t just about thoughts and emotions? Your diet, lifestyle, and health imbalances can play a huge role in triggering anxious feelings.

So, if anxiety keeps showing up too often, too intensely, or for no clear reason, it’s time to dig deeper. Ask yourself these eight key questions to uncover what might be fueling your anxiety and take steps to regain calm.

1. How Much Caffeine, Sugar, or MSG Have I Had?

Caffeine, sugar, and MSG can all send your nervous system into overdrive, leading to racing thoughts, jitteriness, and anxiety.

  • Caffeine check – Count your coffee, tea, matcha, chocolate, and energy drinks. Too much? Cut back.
  • Sugar overload – If you’ve been on a binge, your blood sugar might be causing mood swings. Balance with protein and fiber.
  • MSG sensitivity – If you feel anxious after eating takeout, try swapping Chinese for Thai or Japanese food.

2. Could My Food Be Triggering Anxiety?

Food intolerances can mimic anxiety symptoms, causing rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and brain fog.

  • Some people react to gluten, dairy, eggs, or processed foods.
  • A simple blood test can identify hidden intolerances.
  • A 6-week gut reset may help eliminate anxiety triggers for good.

3. Are My Hormones Out of Balance?

Hormonal shifts can cause mood swings, brain fog, and anxiety.

  • PMS, menopause, and thyroid imbalances can make anxiety worse.
  • Environmental toxins, plastics, and additives can disrupt hormones.
  • Detoxing your body and resetting your hormones can help restore balance.

4. How Much Alcohol Have I Been Drinking?

Alcohol affects the nervous system and can trigger hangover anxiety, blood sugar crashes, and mood swings.

  • Sensitivity to preservatives, sulfites, and histamines in alcohol can make anxiety worse.
  • Reduce intake and switch to cleaner alcohol options if needed.
  • Hydrate well to help your body recover.

5. Have I Been Around Cigarette Smoke?

Nicotine and secondhand smoke can increase heart rate, tension, and anxiety.

  • If you’re a social smoker or trying to quit, be aware of how it affects you.
  • Spend time in fresh air to clear your system.
  • Support your body with deep breathing exercises.

6. Am I Sleep-Deprived or Feeling Run-Down?

Lack of sleep is one of the biggest anxiety triggers.

  • Unplug from technology at least an hour before bed.
  • Create a relaxing nighttime routine—meditation, reading, or journaling.
  • Stick to a consistent sleep schedule (lights out by 10 PM is best).

7. Is My Gut Health Affecting My Mood?

The gut and brain are closely connected—80% of serotonin is produced in the gut.

  • Digestive issues like bloating, constipation, reflux, or diarrhea can worsen anxiety.
  • Balancing gut bacteria can improve mood and reduce anxious feelings.
  • Consider probiotics and gut-healing foods to support digestion.

8. Have I Checked My Nutrient Levels?

Low levels of key nutrients can increase stress, fatigue, and anxiety.

  • Iron, B12, magnesium, omega-3s, and zinc all support brain function.
  • Simple blood tests can identify deficiencies.
  • Topping up essential nutrients can be a game-changer for your mental health.

Time to Take Control of Your Anxiety

Next time anxiety hits, pause and ask yourself these questions. Small lifestyle shifts can make a huge difference in how you feel. You can also read 9 Tips for Your Best Brain Health and if you find it helpful? Let us know in the comments!

Need help figuring it out? CLICK HERE to book a session available via Skype, phone, or in-person. Let’s get you feeling calm, clear, and in control again.

Julie xx

Anxiety, Struggle, Overwhelm

Anxiety, Struggle, Overwhelm

by | Mind

Anxiety and Stress & Overwhelm: Take Back Control of Your Life

Feeling Stuck in a Cycle of Anxiety or Stress and Overwhelm?

Lately, I’ve noticed a pattern in my clinic—Anxiety or Stress and Overwhelm.

The stories may differ, but the themes are the same:

  • Women doubting themselves, focusing on what they’re not instead of who they are.
  • Feeling trapped in self-judgment—“I’m not enough,” “I’m being judged,” “I’m unlovable.”
  • Taking antidepressants yet still feeling stuck in sadness.
  • Relationships unraveling, leading to heartache and uncertainty.
  • Friendships breaking down over small misunderstandings.
  • Losing passion for work and feeling disconnected from life.
  • Teenagers struggling to see a bright future.
  • Aging parents facing health declines, bringing tough decisions.

Now, imagine dealing with more than one of these at the same time.

No wonder anxiety feels all-consuming. But you don’t have to stay stuck.

The Toll Stress Takes on Your Body

Your adrenal glands are working overtime—nonstop.

  • Your heart races.
  • Your hands feel unsteady.
  • You crave sugar, caffeine, or alcohol to cope.
  • Your shoulders feel like bricks, tense and burning.
  • The tight band around your temples just won’t let up.

How long can you live like this? It’s time to say, “Enough.”

This cycle is stealing space from a life that could be calm, joyful, and fulfilling. You don’t have to stay in survival mode.

The Three Stages of Adrenal Fatigue

1 – Alarm Phase

Your body is in high alert, producing stress hormones at full speed. Symptoms include:

  • Anxiety & panic
  • Irritability
  • Sugar cravings
  • Hot flashes
  • Weight gain (especially around the midsection)
  • Increased heart rate & blood pressure
  • Insomnia

2 – Adaptation Phase

Your body is trying to cope, but the cracks start to show:

  • Feeling drained but still wired with adrenaline
  • Struggling to sleep—especially if you stay up past 10 PM
  • Feeling worse after exercise
  • Mood swings & low libido
  • Blood sugar imbalances
  • Muscle pain & inflammation

3 – Exhaustion Phase

Your body is running on empty, making recovery feel impossible:

  • Chronic fatigue
  • Depression
  • Waking frequently throughout the night
  • Complete physical and emotional burnout

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. But ignoring it won’t make it go away.

Take Action Before It’s Too Late

If left unchecked, stress can spiral into:

  • Food sensitivities
  • Leaky gut
  • Insulin resistance
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Chronic inflammation

By Stage 3, your body is in full burnout mode. At this point, management—not recovery—may be the only option.

But it doesn’t have to get that far.

It’s Time to Reclaim Your Energy – Get Rid of Anxiety or Stress and Overwhelm

If you’re ready to make a change, I’m here to help.

Here’s what the lovely Jenny had to say after just four weeks of working together:

“Thank you, Julie. I can’t believe how much better I feel in just four weeks! You’ve opened my eyes to a new way of thinking and given me the tools I need. I finally have the energy to handle life again. I’m excited for the future—thank you!”

You don’t have to navigate this alone. I’ve been there too.

But here’s the truth—doing nothing leads to more suffering. Waiting only makes healing harder.

Ready to Feel Better? Let’s Get Started

Book an Adrenal Discovery Session (30 minutes for $90) to take back control—Skype or in-person options available.

[CLICK HERE] to take the first step toward a better tomorrow.

With love,
Julie xx

For More Information about Letting Go of Overwhelm?Click here.