Anxiety can be debilitating when it gets in the way of your daily life. From social situations, to professional settings, and even when you’re all alone—anxiety has a way of creeping up at any given moment (and especially when we don’t need it!).
While there are many remedies for anxiety, a lot of them require prescription medication that can leave some people reeling from serious mental and physical side effects. Fortunately, there are natural alternatives that can do the job without the unwelcome consequences. If you’re interested in learning more, read on for four ways to naturally calm your anxiety!
#1 Herbal Teas
There are many types of herbal teas that help calm the mind and soothe anxiety. The warmth of the tea may provide a comforting sensation on its own, but the actual tea leaves can have relaxing properties as well.
Some of the most relaxing herbal teas are:
- Peppermint
- Chamomile
- Kava
- Lavender
- Green tea (though beware that many green teas contain caffeine)
Studies have shown that the scent produced by these plants can help relieve anxiety on its own. Mixed with steamy tea water and taking long, slow slips, you may find relief from anxiety, insomnia, and general stress.
#2 Deep Breathing Techniques
Breathing is one of the few bodily functions that can switch between automatic and manual. This means that, although the brain will force the lungs to breathe naturally, you also have the option to take over your breath and become the pilot.
This ability comes in handy for calming anxiety and panic attacks.
Deep breathing (also known as diaphragmatic breathing) is the process of slowing down each inhale and exhale to calm the nervous system. Your nervous system relies heavily on oxygen intake, so the calmer your breathing is, the calmer your nervous system will become. This can help relieve racing thoughts, shakiness, and panic if done for long enough.
One of the best breathing techniques is called resonant breathing. If you’d like to give it a try, simply follow these steps:
- Lie down and close your eyes
- Breathe in through the nose for six seconds
- Slowly breath out for six seconds through the mouth
- Repeat these steps until you feel calm
#3 CBD Supplements
The endocannabinoid receptors in the brain are responsible for many bodily functions. Some of the most vital functions that are regulated by these receptors include:
- Mood
- The central and peripheral nervous systems
- Sleep
- Appetite
Similar to cannabis, CBD can have an effect on these systems—only without the psychoactive properties. If you’re experiencing stress, jitters, lack of appetite, or insomnia as a result of anxiety, then you may want to try adding CBDfx gummies into your daily routine.
#4 Daily Meditation Practice
Meditation is a great way to relax and clear the mind of anxious thoughts. When anxiety takes over, you may find yourself suffering from anxious thoughts—ultimately turning a small thought into a huge problem.
With meditation, you learn the ability to return yourself to the present moment and reevaluate the situation. While meditation is not meant to fully eliminate negative thoughts, it can help put them into perspective and lead to a calmer mind.
Some types of meditation you can choose from include:
- Walking meditation – Clearing your mind can be done while the body is in motion. Stay mindful and fully experience all five of your senses as you walk. Focus on your steps, and reel your mind in if it begins to wander.
- Guided meditation – For beginners, guided meditation may be helpful. You can find these online, through an app, or even take a meditation class in person. During guided meditation, an instructor will guide you through the process of calming your breath, clearing the mind, and staying in the moment.
- Mantra meditation – Mantra meditation involves repeating a positive phrase over and over to stay focused. This can be done in your head or aloud depending on your surroundings. If you’re experiencing anxiety, a good mantra may be something along the lines of: “anxiety does not control me.” This is a great meditation practice because of how personalized you can make it.
- Loving-kindness meditation – Similar to mantra meditation, loving-kindness meditation is the technique of repeating kind, loving thoughts to yourself. These thoughts can include empathy for the self, others, and the world around you. This is a great technique for combating feelings such as:
- Anxiety
- Guilt
- Shame
- Anger
- Sadness
Anxiety Doesn’t Have to Win
By implementing any of these practices into your daily life, you may find that anxiety is no match for these powerful, natural remedies. While it can certainly feel overwhelming, anxiety doesn’t have to be a hindrance to your everyday happiness.
Some periods of anxiety may be stronger than others, but keeping up with these healthy habits can help you keep it at bay and live a happy life.
