Relieving Anxiety Naturally
Anxiety is a condition that, when not treated, can cause debilitating effects on an individual’s life. Anxiety usually brings on long-term stress, can be accompanied by depression, and contributes to a decline in an individual’s overall health.
What are typical causes of anxiety?
-ongoing stress
-traumatic events
-thyroid conditions
-excess alcohol consumption
-excess caffeine or sugar consumption
-hormonal imbalance
-family history of mental health disorders
Typical symptoms include:
-muscle tension
-chest tightness
-heart palpitations
-high blood pressure
-insomnia
-digestive problems
-panic attacks
-irritability/moodiness
-inability to concentrate
-restlessness
-sweating
-inability to socialize
It is quite common to treat anxiety with conventional medications and therefore, often ignoring other contributing factors, such as diet and lifestyle. In many cases, anxiety can be managed without medication and in a more natural way.
8 ways to relieve anxiety naturally include:
Eating a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet that includes brain-healthy foods such as:
Wild caught fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna)
Grass-fed meats such as beef, lamb, bison
Free-range poultry such as chicken and turkey
Free-range eggs
Yogurt/kefir
Leafy greens
Berries
Healthy fats such as coconut oil, olive oil, and ghee.
Cut back on sugar and processed foods as these tend to raise blood sugar levels and have major effects on your energy.
Reduce caffeine intake and alcohol as both promote nervousness.
Use supplements such as ashwagandha, which is an adaptogen herb that helps calm the body’s response system and helps promote brain health and magnesium, also beneficial to help relax the muscles and nervous system.
Diffusing lavender oil is great for managing anxiety because it helps calm symptoms such as nervousness, headaches, and muscle pain, which are usually associated with anxiety.
Start a exercise program that serves as an outlet for releasing stress and will relax you at the same time. The most popular activities for relaxation are yoga, tai chi, or walking since these activities help you focus on your breath, while reducing muscle tension.
Get enough sleep. Not getting enough sleep contributes to anxiety symptoms as well as affects hormone balance.
Meditation is also great for calming the mind and get you out of the fight or flight mode.