Natural Anxiety Remedies

Not all anxiety is bad, it is often part of our every-day lives. It keeps us alert, motivated and prepared. However, when it starts to grow beyond a healthy level, it is helpful to mediate it before it worsens. There are few natural measures you can take in order to keep your mind healthy.

Exercise

Exercising daily has a profound effect on our mental health, and this has been documented for years. studies have shown that 20-40 minutes of aerobic exercise can lead to improvements in both mood and anxiety, lasting for hours. This is because when you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins that react with receptors in your brain triggering a feeling in your body similar to the effects of morphine – hence terms like “runners high”.

Herbal Teas

As the name suggests, herbal teas of made from ‘herbs’ which are often the primary ingredient for many drugs. As such, herbal teas can be a powerful tool in easing the symptoms of anxiety. Teas also tend to have a much lower dose of caffeine, which is advised for people suffering with anxiety as caffeine is proven to worsen anxiety disorders. Here are some great herbal teas to try that are easily found in the supermarket: 

• Chamomile – As well as easing anxious symptoms, it is also proven to help with insomnia. Chamomile is best to drink at the end of a stressful day.
• Peppermint – This works to calm you as the menthol in the tea can act as a natural muscle relaxant, making your body feel calm.
• Lavender - Lavendar is known for its calming properties and sleep aid, but studies have also shown that it can decrease the stress hormone, cortisol.

Diet

Changes in your bloody sugar level can result in mood changes. Do you ever find your anxiety worsening after you eat? Ditching processed foods and adopting a diet rich in complex carbohydrates, wholegrains and vegetables can help to maintain your blood sugar level, creating a calmer feeling.

Ditch the Alcohol

Sorry to say this, but if you suffer with anxiety, the alcohol has got to go! Having a couple of drinks may lessen the effect in the short term but once the alcohol wares off your anxiety will return, and it will be much worse. We’ve all heard of “beer fear”, this term didn’t stem from nothing. Using alcohol as a coping mechanism for your anxiety is not healthy, it is much better to adopt one of the other natural alternatives listed in this blog.

Sleeping

Often, anxiety sufferers develop insomnia. You can aid in having a better nights sleep by doing the following things:

• Herbal teas before bed.
• No caffeine after 12:00 noon.
• Don’t play on your phone or tablet an hour before bed.
• Adopt a regular sleeping pattern – go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
• Do not nap. Napping will only make your Insomnia worse!

Meditation

Meditation is well known for relieving stress and anxiety. It has been used for many millennia across many religions. The purpose of meditation is to free your mind from thoughts, focusing on your breathing. Adding meditation to your daily routine can significantly reduce your anxiety. Start off by doing just 10 minutes a day and increase this gradually.