If you deal with anxiety, you’re not alone. It’s estimated around 40 million US adults deal with anxiety; that’s around 19% of the population! While lifestyle choices like a healthy diet and consistent exercise can help you cope with anxiety, some people need more assistance than switching to healthier habits. Thankfully, there are natural ways to cope with the anxiety that anyone can benefit from before trying pharmaceuticals. If you’re looking to take the edge off before starting medication, keep reading for natural ways to cope with anxiety that may work for you.
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A Full 8 Hours
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that adults between 18 and 60 get at least seven hours of sleep. But, when surveyed, most adults get six hours of sleep per night, which isn’t nearly enough. Sleep deprivation can worsen anxiety significantly, so if you’re burning the candle and both ends and neglecting your sleep, curate a nighttime routine conducive to catching more z’s. From ditching your screens and TV time at least two hours before sleeping to adding a calming Chamomile tea, there are many things you can do to prioritize deep and restorative sleep.
Try Aromatherapy
Our sense of smell is important for many reasons, from alerting us to potential danger to calming your anxious minds. Aromatherapy is a holistic treatment used for thousands of years with great success. Implementing aromatherapy at home can be a game-changer if you struggle with mild to moderate anxiety. Invest in an essential oil diffuser to diffuse oils that have been shown to induce a sense of calm and relaxation, like lavender, bergamot, or ylang-ylang. Not only can aromatherapy help with your anxiety, but it can also boost your mood, help you fall asleep, and even reduce your blood pressure.
CBD Tinctures
CBD has been in the spotlight for a few years now for a good reason; it can help with a host of health issues and improve your quality of life. Dealing with regular anxiety can seriously impact the quality of your life, so supplementing with a CBD tincture can be life-changing and life-giving. CBD helps anxiety by altering your serotonin levels. Even if you’re already taking antidepressants, you can still safely use CBD products, though it never hurts to double-check with your prescribing doctor. CBD is well tolerated and a great alternative to pharmaceuticals if you want to avoid daily prescription medication.
Deep Breathing
Anxiety is a mental health disorder that causes feelings of worry and fear and can result in some troubling physical symptoms. Physical anxiety symptoms are common feelings of nervousness, impending doom, increased heart rate, and, most troubling, difficulty breathing. When you are anxious, you tend to take smaller and more shallow breaths, which only exacerbates your anxiety. The next time you are in the throes of an anxiety attack, focus your breath and take deeper, more intentional breaths. Not only is this fantastic for stopping panic attacks in their tracks, but it’s also a skill that can serve you in your daily life to lower anxiety levels.
Ditch Bad Habits
If we’re being honest, most of us have bad habits we wish we could break. Many people cope with anxiety issues through drinking, which might provide a temporary fix but can come with many other issues. If you’re struggling with alcohol issues, there is help available, and it’s best to seek it out. Other bad habits like smoking cigarettes can negatively impact anxiety by altering brain pathways contributing to anxiety. Try chewing on a toothpick next time you want a cigarette. Caffeine is well known to increase anxiety, so if you’re consuming more than one cup daily, it’s worth cutting back on all the extra cups of Joe.
On top of the above-mentioned natural ways to deal with anxiety, there are more worth trying. Regular physical exercise and eating a healthy, whole foods-based diet can be a game-changer for anxiety levels. Meditation and mindfulness are habits that can help anxiety and promote a lifetime’s emotional well-being. Home remedies can help anxiety, but they don’t replace professional help, so if you’re dealing with severe anxiety, it’s always important to book an appointment with a therapist and GP to get you through the toughest times; you’re worth it. Here’s to your health!
