Natural Remedies to Reduce Anxiety that are Very Effective
There’s a huge volume of anxiety-related articles out there, and boundless anxiety reduction methods, so one has to ask “with all this information and easy-access anxiety relief, why are 30% of American adults still suffering from chronic anxiety?” To put it simply, anxiety is a vicious cycle, and those who suffer from it end up being too anxious and pessimistic to think anything would work—so why bother? Well, it’s because these methods DO work, and they can absolutely work for you too. Persistence is the lynch pin of success, and it’s easy to forget that when you’re dragging through the muck of anxiety every day.
Exercise
If you’re physically able, and you’ve been cleared by a healthcare professional, exercise can be one of the best, and most natural anxiety relievers at your disposal. Exercise, especially cardiovascular exercise, releases endorphins, which reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. You may also find resistance exercise beneficial, especially in raising self-esteem, which indirectly lowers anxiety. The Mayo Clinic suggests 150 hours of aerobic exercise per week—so get moving!
Diet
Diet plays an enormous role in mental health—such as anxiety, depression, and sleep. Besides eating healthy, incorporating these foods in your diet may help lower anxiety and depression:
- Dark chocolate
- Fish
- Tea
- Yogurt
- Eggs
- Nuts
- Cinnamon
Moderation is so important in life (and your diet) that it needn’t be said not to over consume any of the mentioned foods, and to eat them in moderation.
A great anxiety and stress relieving meal, which also boosts energy is:
- Oatmeal
- With whole milk and heavy cream,
- Slivered almonds
- Honey
- Cinnamon
Milk can be replaced with almond milk or other alternative milk substitute for the lactose intolerant and honey can be replaced with maple syrup if your diet is restrictive, such as being vegan or having an allergy to honey.
Supplements
When diet and exercise alone aren’t enough, supplementation must be seriously considered. The oldest and most well studied of these supplements being L-theanine and CBD. L-theanine is naturally found in tea. CBD can be found in the cannabis sativa – medical marijuana plant and has proven to reduce anxiety, but since the legal status of marijuana is different in each state, extracted CBD oil is a wonderful alternative. I’d next recommend 5-HTP—an amino acid your body naturally produces that aids in serotonin production (the neurotransmitter associated with producing feelings of happiness). As a secondary effect, serotonin can also lower anxiety and help you sleep.
Those of us who don’t drink caffeinated tea will be happy to know that chamomile tea also reduces anxiety—without the caffeine! Some other benefits of chamomile include boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and lowering your risk of certain cancers. It’s probably a smart idea to drink a cup every night. As an honorable mention I’d like to add vitamin B12, which has been proven to lower anxiety in some people, though it tends to put me to sleep!
Therapy
A first resort for some, and a last resort for others, therapy is still a modern-day taboo in many places around the world, and it can be embarrassing to admit that therapeutic help is needed. Remarkably, 50% of patient’s report having recovered from their psychiatric illness after just 15-20 therapy sessions. It’s important to remember that 15-20 sessions, at a biweekly rate is just over half a year, and while that may seem slow, it’s nothing compared to the alternative, which is possibly living a lifetime with anxiety. So, if you think therapy is a good option for you, do not hesitate to set up an appointment—it’s always better to start sooner than later. But, if your symptoms are manageable, the options mentioned elsewhere throughout this article can be your first line of defense towards a happier, more confident version of you.
Information Provided by Victoria Ward
Do you struggle with anxiety? If so do you have any tips or suggestions that you have found helpful? Please leave them in the comment section below?
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