Bills, work, family stresses, deadlines. Life can get hectic and leave you feeling anxious, stressed and freaked out. Prolonged anxiety can lead to feelings of restlessness, a sense of dread and constantly feeling ‘on edge’. It’s not a happy place to be. And whether you experience anxiety every once in a while or suffer from severe anxiety, the condition is probably having a negative effect on your life.
Maybe you feel like it’s time to make a change but feel put off by common anxiety medications which can have a string of unwanted side-effects. Well, guess what? Popping a pill isn’t the only way to get your anxiety under control.
Here are our top tried and tested ways to beat anxiety naturally:
STAYING ACTIVE
You’re probably sick of people claiming exercise is a cure for everything. But that’s because it’s true! Regular exercise is amazing for both your physical and emotional health. Scientists have found that regular aerobic exercise is able to decrease levels of tension and elevate mood. And it’s not just a short-term fix. Anxiety relief can continue for hours after working out. It’s simple – if you’re not moving, get moving!
CHAMOMILE
A cup of chamomile tea is incredibly calming, and if you’re not a fan of herbal teas, it can be taken as a supplement. While it’s unlikely to have the same effect as a chemical anxiety medication, studies have shown chamomile to be effective in promoting relaxation and helping with anxiety, insomnia and depression. Some of its compounds bind to the same brain receptors as drugs like Valium. Calming and tasty? Definitely worth a try!
WEIGHTED BLANKETS
Weighted blankets for anxiety are inspired by the calming technique of deep pressure stimulation. Blankets are designed to apply gentle pressure over the body to prompt relaxation, similar to the feeling of a hug. The pressure helps to relax the nervous system and encourages serotonin production – that’s the chemical which makes you happy! Weighted blankets also reduce the stress hormone cortisol, which in turn, will help to ease your anxiety symptoms
MEDITATION
Taking 30 minutes time-out daily to meditate could really help to alleviate your anxiety symptoms. The main aim of meditation is to remove chaotic thought from your mind, replacing them with a feeling of calm and focus on the present moment. Check out these meditation exercises and give them a go next time you’re feeling on the edge.
AROMATHERAPY
Aromatherapy uses aromatic essences (essential oils) to heal and promote health and well-being. Essential oils have been known to help lift the symptoms of anxiety, and comes with a multitude of other benefits, too! The fragrant oils can boost your mood, improve your complexion, stimulate creativity, help you to sleep calmly and even reduce stress – a winner all round. Add the oils to a warm bath or diffuser – lavender, bergamot and grapefruit are favourites for anxiety relief.
VITAMIN D
If you find your anxiety goes in a downward spiral when the winter hits, you could be lacking in Vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency is (mostly) caused by a lack of exposure to sunlight and has a direct link to a person’s mental health. People who have seasonal affective disorder (SAD) show symptoms of anxiety, irritability and antisocial behaviour. Therefore, a short walk in the sunshine or a daily vitamin D supplement could significantly help to boost your mood – give it a go!
Anxiety can seem impossible to beat without resorting to medication – but that’s not always the case. Improving the symptoms of your anxiety disorder could be achieved by making a few simple changes to your lifestyle. Make it your mission to try out as many natural methods as you can – don’t let anxiety control your life.