Life is chaotic. There is literally nobody on the plan who feels lucky to be alive. Some of us do express gratitude for our welfare. Still, there is a diference between choosing to be grateful for all we have and having something to be grateful for.
The challenges we face don’t just impact us physically or mentally. They also block our chakras.
In this blog, we will cover how stress and anxiety affect our chakras. We will also discuss what you can do to heal each of your chakras.
Understanding Chakras & Learning Why They Matter
Chakras act as energetic valves that govern the flow of life-giving energy (called ‘Chi’, ‘Ki’ or “Prana’).
We are believed to have thousands of minor chakras in our bodies. However, there are seven main ones.
By understanding the location and function of each chakra, we can gain valuable insights into how to unblock them and restore balance. Let’s explore each of the seven main chakras, their functions, and how stress and anxiety can aect them.
How Stress Affects Our Seven Major Chakras
Let’s discuss each of our seven major chakras and how stress affects it:
1. The Root Chakra(Muladhara)
Located at the base of the spine, the root chakra is associated with feelings of stability, security, and our connection to the earth. Constant stress and anxiety can leave you feeling ungrounded, like a tree with shallow roots. This may lead to
- Physical symptoms like lower back pain, leg weakness, digestive issues
- Emotional issues like feeling fearful, insecure and lost Practices like grounding meditation, spending time in nature, and connecting with activities that make you feel safe and secure can help root you back to the present moment.
2. TheSacralChakra(Svadhisthana)
The sacral chakra, located below the navel, governs creativity, pleasure, and our sense of self-worth. Stress and anxiety can constrict this chakra, leading to:
- Reproductive issues, sexual dysfunction, lower back pain
- Fear of intimacy, difficulty expressing emotions, lack of creativity (writer’s/artist’s block) Creative exploration through dance, art, or music can help reawaken your playful spirit. Exploring healthy ways to express your sexuality and setting boundaries in relationships will also heal your sacral chakra.
3. TheSolarPlexusChakra(Manipura)
The solar plexus chakra, located in the upper abdomen, is associated with personal power, confidence, and self-esteem. When stress and anxiety take hold, this chakra can become overactive or underactive causing one or more of the following symptoms:
- Aggression, controlling behaviour, digestive issues (associated with anxiety)
- Low self-esteem, difficulty making decisions, feeling like a victim (associated with depression) Yoga postures like the warrior pose can help cultivate inner strength. Practising assertiveness and setting boundaries can build your confidence.
4. The Heart Chakra(Anahata)
Located in the centre of the chest, the heart chakra is the centre of love, compassion, and empathy. Stress and anxiety can leave you feeling isolated and shut down, leading to:
- Physical ailments like chest tightness, heart palpitation and dificulty breathing
- Difficulty forgiving, feelings of isolation, bitterness Acts of kindness, spending time with loved ones, and practices like loving-kindness meditation can open the heart chakra. Journaling about gratitude can also help cultivate a more compassionate outlook.
5. TheThroatChakra(Vishuddha)
The throat chakra, located at the base of the throat, governs communication and self-expression. Stress and anxiety can make it dificult to speak your truth, often causing the following issues:
- Sore throat, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness
- Difficulty expressing feelings, shyness, fear of public speaking Singing, chanting, or simply speaking your truth in a safe space can help unblock the throat chakra. Journaling or creative writing can also be powerful tools for self-expression.
6. TheThirdEyeChakra(Ajna)
Located between the eyebrows, the third eye chakra is associated with intuition, insight, and imagination. Regular exposure to stressful situations can cause:
- Headaches, eye strain, dificulty focusing
- Confusion, overthinking, dificulty making decisions Meditation practices and spending time in nature can help quiet the mind and cultivate inner clarity. Visualization exercises can also help strengthen your intuition.
7. TheCrownChakra(Sahasrara)
The crown chakra, located at the top of the head, governs our connection to spirituality and a higher power. When stress and anxiety are present, we can feel disconnected and lost, leading to:
- Headaches, feeling disconnected from the body
- Lack of purpose, feeling lost, existential angst Spiritual practices like prayer can you release these symptoms gently. When our chakras are balanced and open, prana flows freely, like a healthy river nourishing the surrounding land. This leads to a sense of vitality, well-being, and alignment. However, stress, anxiety, and negative emotions can act like dams, constricting the flow of energy in speciic chakras. This can lead to physical and emotional imbalances. But, chakras can be healed. And, we can be happy; We just have to believe in ourselves and do what it takes to ensure our welfare. Life is cruel. But, we can choose to be gentle with ourselves.