In the fast-paced and stressful world we live in, it’s no wonder that 1 in every 5 Americans suffers from anxiety. If you have anxiety, you surely know just how bad it can get: from your heart pounding at every social setting to sleepless nights to the inability to concentrate at work. Anxiety affects every single aspect of our lives, which is why it’s crucial to do something about it. The good news is, there are so many simple and natural anxiety remedies that you can try out today. In this article, we’ve listed 10 life-changing remedies for anxiety that you just need to know about. Let’s get into it!
Eat Healthy
Your diet affects literally every part of your life: your physical appearance, your mood, and, of course, your anxiety. If you eat a diet with lots of sugar, processed foods, and chemicals, then these ingredients are likely contributing to the severeness of your anxiety. Try to focus on a diet full of fruits, veggies, and other chemical-free whole foods. But of course, don’t be afraid to treat yourself to some of your favorite foods every once in a while!
Exercise
These days, so many people lead sedentary lifestyles. However, for a person to be healthy, they must exercise at least a little. Exercise not only helps you stay physically fit but also does wonders for your mental health. This study by Stonerock et. al suggests that exercise might be an effective remedy for anxiety.
Meditate
We always have so many thoughts rushing through our heads that we constantly get lost and overwhelmed. That’s why it’s very important to completely clear and restart your mind every once in a while. The best way to do this is by meditating. Start meditating every day for 10 minutes. If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry! There are plenty of guided meditations available online for free.
Try aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is one of the best anxiety remedies. It is the inhalation of essential oils to improve physical and mental health. You can use a diffuser, compress, facial steamer, or just add a few drops of essential oils to your bath. The best essential oils for anxiety are lavender, bergamot, rose, spearmint, lemongrass, and ylang-ylang.
Reduce your caffeine intake
In this study by Winston et. al, it was found that caffeine can worsen the symptoms of anxiety. If you’re a coffee drinker, then you’ve definitely experienced the jitters and increased anxiety from it. Try to reduce your caffeine intake as much as you can and make sure to have your coffee during the morning and early afternoon so that you don’t have trouble sleeping. Also, consider some alternatives to coffee that don’t have the same negative effects, such as matcha, chai tea, or golden milk.Reduce your alcohol intake
Sure, a glass of wine or two before bed might make you sleepy and help you doze off faster. But this is just a short-term solution. Once the effects of alcohol wear off, your anxiety will come right back and might even be worse, perhaps making it difficult to sleep through the night. So while a glass of wine here or there isn’t detrimental, don’t depend on it to ease your anxiety or help you sleep better.
Spend time with your pets
Spending time with pets is one of the best remedies for anxiety. Dogs, and animals in general, have a very calming effect on humans. They give us a sense of peace, unity, and love, which so many of us lack in our lives. If you have pets, spend some time alone with them every day. If you don’t, visit a friend who has animals or maybe foster a pet from a shelter!
Spend time in nature
These days, we’re so disconnected from our true home: mother nature. When all we see all day are phone and computer screens and fellow stressed-out and anxious people, it’s really hard to get out of this loop. You’d be surprised how much spending time in nature can help calm your mind and ease your anxiety. Watching the trees, breathing in the fresh air, feeling the sun on your face… Try spending some time in nature every single day to really disconnect from the stressful outside world.
Drink some herbal tea
Many herbal teas have been found to ease the symptoms of anxiety and help improve sleep quality. The best herbal teas for anxiety are chamomile, peppermint, lavender, and green tea (although you shouldn’t have green tea before bed because it contains caffeine).
Consider melatonin supplements
If you struggle with anxiety, you likely experience trouble sleeping. Whether your problem is that you can’t fall asleep or that you keep waking up at night, melatonin supplements might just be the perfect solution. Melatonin is a natural hormone that our bodies produce at night to calm us down and help us fall asleep and stay asleep. If you have trouble dozing off, your body’s melatonin production may be a bit off, which is very common in people with anxiety.
