How to Treat Anxiety Naturally
Stress and anxiety affects millions of people across the globe and this number seems to be on the rise. Anxiety can present itself in many different ways including nervousness, agitation, tension, a racing heart and chest pain. While there are many pharmaceutical options available to treat anxiety, these come with a host of side effects that can sometimes be worse than the anxiety itself. If you're looking for a more natural way to treat your anxiety, there are a multitude of options that are worth trying such as:
1. Exercise
Exercise may help to treat anxiety, by releasing endorphins which have mood-boosting effects. It can also help to distract you from anxious thoughts, and give you a sense of accomplishment and control. Walking, running, swimming, yoga and sports are all excellent forms of exercise and are great tools for those that are suffering from stress and anxiety.
2. Meditation
Meditation is another great tool that can be used to help ease anxiety. Meditation works by focusing your attention and calming the mind. There are many different types of meditation, so it's important to find one that works best for you. There are guided meditations available online and through apps, or you can try doing it on your own.
In psychotherapy, mindfulness-based meditation is increasingly popular. According to a 2010 meta-analytic study, it may be very useful for those with mood and anxiety disorders.
3.Time in Nature
Spending time in nature can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels. One study found that after just 20 minutes of being in nature, participants had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Being in nature can help you to feel more connected and grounded, as well as providing a much-needed break from work, technology and city life.
4. Writing
Expressing your anxiety can be very beneificial and can help to lessen its grip on you. Anxiety can often feel overwhelming, and putting your thoughts down on paper may help you to make more sense of them. Writing can also be a form of self-care, and can help you to process difficult emotions in a healthy way.
5. Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum)
Kanna is a plant that is native to South Africa and has been used for centuries by the San people for its mood-elevating effects. Kanna works by inhibiting the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters, including serotonin, which can help to lift your mood and ease anxiety. Kanna can be taken in capsule form, or as a tea. Studies have shown that Kanna is effective in treating anxiety, and has a low risk of side effects.
5. Hemp Derived CBD
CBD is a compound that is found in the hemp plant, and has been shown to have Anxiety reducing effects. CBD works by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating mood and anxiety. CBD can be taken in oil form, or as gummies, capsules, or even vape juice. CBD is also known to reduce tension, and inflammation in the body which can be beneficial for those with anxiety.
6. Aromatherapy
Smelling aromatic plant oils can assist with stress and anxiety. Certain fragrances are more effective for certain individuals, so feel free to test different possibilities.
7. Conscious Breathing
Conscious breathing techniques can be very helpful in managing anxiety. Anxiety can cause shallow and fast breathing, which can in turn worsen anxiety symptoms. Learning how to breathe deeply from the diaphragm can help to slow the heart rate and ease tension in the body. Even just sitting and becoming conscious of your in breath and out breath for a few minutes can be beneficial.
8. Time with animals
Pets provide friendship, love, and support. According to a 2018 study, pets can help people with a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety.
These are just some of the natural approaches for treating anxiety naturally. Anxiety is a complex issue, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's important to find what works best for you, and to talk to a specialist if you're struggling. Anxiety is a treatable condition, and there is help available.
1. Exercise
Exercise may help to treat anxiety, by releasing endorphins which have mood-boosting effects. It can also help to distract you from anxious thoughts, and give you a sense of accomplishment and control. Walking, running, swimming, yoga and sports are all excellent forms of exercise and are great tools for those that are suffering from stress and anxiety.
2. Meditation
Meditation is another great tool that can be used to help ease anxiety. Meditation works by focusing your attention and calming the mind. There are many different types of meditation, so it's important to find one that works best for you. There are guided meditations available online and through apps, or you can try doing it on your own.
In psychotherapy, mindfulness-based meditation is increasingly popular. According to a 2010 meta-analytic study, it may be very useful for those with mood and anxiety disorders.
3.Time in Nature
Spending time in nature can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels. One study found that after just 20 minutes of being in nature, participants had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Being in nature can help you to feel more connected and grounded, as well as providing a much-needed break from work, technology and city life.
4. Writing
Expressing your anxiety can be very beneificial and can help to lessen its grip on you. Anxiety can often feel overwhelming, and putting your thoughts down on paper may help you to make more sense of them. Writing can also be a form of self-care, and can help you to process difficult emotions in a healthy way.
5. Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum)
Kanna is a plant that is native to South Africa and has been used for centuries by the San people for its mood-elevating effects. Kanna works by inhibiting the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters, including serotonin, which can help to lift your mood and ease anxiety. Kanna can be taken in capsule form, or as a tea. Studies have shown that Kanna is effective in treating anxiety, and has a low risk of side effects.
5. Hemp Derived CBD
CBD is a compound that is found in the hemp plant, and has been shown to have Anxiety reducing effects. CBD works by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating mood and anxiety. CBD can be taken in oil form, or as gummies, capsules, or even vape juice. CBD is also known to reduce tension, and inflammation in the body which can be beneficial for those with anxiety.
6. Aromatherapy
Smelling aromatic plant oils can assist with stress and anxiety. Certain fragrances are more effective for certain individuals, so feel free to test different possibilities.
7. Conscious Breathing
Conscious breathing techniques can be very helpful in managing anxiety. Anxiety can cause shallow and fast breathing, which can in turn worsen anxiety symptoms. Learning how to breathe deeply from the diaphragm can help to slow the heart rate and ease tension in the body. Even just sitting and becoming conscious of your in breath and out breath for a few minutes can be beneficial.
8. Time with animals
Pets provide friendship, love, and support. According to a 2018 study, pets can help people with a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety.
These are just some of the natural approaches for treating anxiety naturally. Anxiety is a complex issue, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's important to find what works best for you, and to talk to a specialist if you're struggling. Anxiety is a treatable condition, and there is help available.