Holistic psychologist shares 30 second hack she uses to banish anxiety

A holistic psychologist has shared an ingenious tactic to help banish anxiety in a matter of seconds.

Anxiety can be a debilitating and difficult condition to deal with but sufferers aren’t alone - according to the NHS, it’s a relatively common disorder. Though many people may experience a generalised anxiety disorder in their lifetime, the symptoms can be varied though sufferers generally “feel very anxious about lots of different things”.

The main symptom of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is “feelings of stress or worry that affect your daily life and are difficult to control”, but other symptoms can include struggling to sleep; feeling irritable or finding it difficult to concentrate; feeling restless; getting tired easily; feeling tense; stomach problems; heart palpitations or a more noticeable or unusual heartbeat; feeling dizzy or lightheaded; and experiencing a low mood or depression.

Social media is littered with tips and hacks to try and help people living with anxiety disorders, and Dr Nicola LePera, a holistic psychologist, has amassed a loyal following on TikTok with a varied and stripped back approach to coping mechanisms. In one recent video - which has amassed almost 40,000 views in less than 24 hours - the health guru shares a simple method to alleviate the feelings of anxiety in under a minute.

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In the footage, Dr LePera stands in front of a large bowl filled with ice water before holding her hands up to the camera and then placing them in the bowl while taking deep breaths. Over the top of the footage, she penned: “Do this when you feel anxious. Put your hands in ice water for 10-30 seconds.

“This will increase dopamine and activate your parasympathetic nervous system. Breathe into the sensation and tell yourself it’s safe to experience the cold. Notice how you feel calmer, more relaxed, and back in your body.”

The popular video has already resonated with many social media users, who rushed to the comments section to share their thoughts. One person said: “I so much appreciate your videos. Your messages are so helpful and informative. Thank you so much.”

Another asked for clarification: “When in freeze mode this can make it worse though, am I wrong ? As a person who is currently stuck in freeze, it makes me feel worse”. Dr LePera replied: “This practice is for anxiety (when we’re in fight or flight) not freeze.”

A third commented: “you're my healer on here”, while someone else shared their personal experience of trying the method out for themselves: “Yes! I can vouch that this works!!!”

Another said: “This is so helpful! I’ve bookmarked all these practices you’re putting out, they're gold. Can you please make a playlist?”

The NHS states there’s “other types of anxiety disorder and it's common to have more than one at the same time. For example, sudden attacks of anxiety and panic (panic disorder), or an overwhelming fear of something specific (phobias)”.

Many people feel anxious but if you “feel anxious most of the time and it affects your everyday life”, then it may be a generalised anxiety disorder. You should see a GP if “you think you might have generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)” or “you've been diagnosed with GAD and treatments are not helping”.