“It was like waking up from a bad dream. Once again safe within my body, I hoped I could hold onto this feeling, a wish I had on most days during this period of my life.” This was how I felt as I sat in the salon chair, using a banana as my secret weapon against anxiety. It may sound strange, but for well over a year, a banana became my defense mechanism, my go-to solution for panic attacks.
Anxiety has always been a constant companion in my life. Sometimes, it lies dormant, while other times, it roars with disruptive force, threatening to drag me down. I’ve always been determined to tackle my anxiety naturally, even if it meant resorting to unconventional methods like carrying a banana with me at all times.
Initially, I was skeptical when I read that bananas could alleviate anxiety during an anxious Google search in mid-2021. But I was willing to try anything to stop the panic attacks from taking over my life. Much to my surprise, it worked wonders. The moment I devoured the banana at the salon, my shoulders relaxed, and I was able to take a deep breath. It was an immediate soothing effect that I never expected. The question was, why?
Well, it turns out that there is some scientific evidence to support the idea that bananas can help with anxiety. One reason is the potassium content in bananas, which has long been known for its ability to ease muscle cramps. But potassium also has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, which can play a role in mental health. When we feel anxious, our bodies release adrenaline, which can cause our hearts to race and our minds to feel jumpy. Potassium helps keep adrenaline in check, acting as a natural beta-blocker to lower blood pressure and ease tension in the blood vessels.
Furthermore, bananas are high in tryptophan, an essential amino acid that serves as a precursor to serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for happiness. This serotonin precursor could potentially help ease stress and anxiety.
While these studies don’t specifically correlate the immediate effects of eating a banana with a panic attack, they suggest that the nutritional content of bananas, along with the psychological comfort of having one nearby, could contribute to their anti-anxiety properties.
In my case, the psychological comfort of carrying a banana around played a significant role in managing my anxiety. Whether I ate it or not, just knowing that I had my “emotional support banana” nearby gave me a sense of security and interrupting the anxiety spiral. The mind-body connection proved to be a powerful tool in managing anxiety.
Of course, it’s important to note that what works for one person may not work for another. If you’re currently on medication for anxiety, it’s crucial not to replace it with a bunch of bananas. Additionally, if anxiety is significantly impacting your daily life, seeking support from a licensed mental health professional is essential.
However, if you’re looking for additional methods to support yourself in the face of anxiety, breathing exercises have been shown to help reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety. Deep breathing exercises can help regulate your body’s response to stress and promote a sense of calm. It may take some practice, but incorporating deep breathing into your routine can be beneficial.
At the end of the day, we have the power to find solutions that work for us in managing anxiety. Whether it’s a banana, breathing exercises, or other techniques, taking concrete steps to manage our emotions can alleviate some of anxiety’s power and provide a sense of control. The mind is a powerful tool, and by harnessing its potential, we can navigate the tightrope of anxiety with more stability.