The Worry Games

8 Natural Ways to Treat Anxiety

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So many people live with chronic stress and anxiety, often experiencing symptoms such as agitation, tension, feeling nervous, a racing heartbeat, and even chest pain. In fact, anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems, with over 18% of adults in the US being affected by anxiety disorders every year.

In some cases, health conditions such as an overactive thyroid, can lead to living with an anxiety disorder. Getting an acute diagnosis of any health issues that you face which could be leading to the feelings of chronic stress or anxiety will ensure that you are able to receive the best treatment.

But for those whose anxiety is rooted in chronic stress and poor thinking patterns, then the good news is that there are plenty of natural treatments and remedies to choose from which could help you to feel better.  It is my belief that the best anxiety remedies are the simple, natural ones.  This applies to behavioral remedies as well as those that are physical and herbal.  So in this post I want to focus on some of my favorite, easy ways to make a real difference in your day to day life with anxiety.

Natural remedies are generally safe to use alongside more conventional medicine, however, certain natural supplements or dietary changes can alter the way some anti-anxiety medications work, so if you are currently being prescribed any medication from your doctor for anxiety and stress, it’s worth speaking to your doctor first.

Exercise:

Exercising isn’t just good for your physical health – it’s also one of the best ways to burn off extra anxious energy, and there’s a lot of research to suggest that exercise can be very useful when it comes to controlling anxiety. And, getting active may also help when it comes to anxiety brought on by stressful circumstances; in 2016, a study found that exercise can help people suffering with anxiety after quitting smoking.

Meditation:

Meditation is a great practice to help calm and slow racing thoughts, making it easier to manage anxiety and stress. There are a wide range of meditation styles which may help, including meditation during yoga or mindfulness meditation, which is becoming increasingly popular in therapy. In fact, a review carried out in 2010 found that mindfulness meditation can be highly effective for people who suffer with disorders related to anxiety and mood.

Writing:

Writing can be a great way to express feelings of stress and anxiety, which can be very therapeutic and make things feel more manageable. There is some research to suggest that journaling and other forms of writing can be a way to better cope with anxiety. A study carried out in 2016 found that children and teens were better able to manage anxiety with creative writing, for example.

Acupuncture:

Acupuncture is an ancient, thousands of years old practice that has only been accepted by the Western world since 1971. Part of Chinese traditional medicine, it works by rebalancing the body’s natural energy by inserting fine, hair-thin needles into specific points on the body, and has been known to help with anxiety and stress. If you are interested in trying this treatment, make sure you find a reputable clinic offering acupuncture for pain and anxiety, like the Clinic for Pain and Anxiety in Beverly Hills.

Herbal teas:

There are a few herbal teas that promise to help with easing anxiety and make it easier to sleep at night. And, some people may find the process of making and drinking tea quite soothing itself. Some teas can have a more direct effect on the brain which results in reduced anxiety, including chamomile tea, which can positively alter levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Herbal supplements:

Like herbal teas, there are also many herbal supplements that claim to reduce anxiety, however, there is not much scientific evidence to support these claims. If you are considering managing your anxiety and stress using herbal supplements, then it’s crucial that you work with a doctor who’s knowledgeable about herbal supplements and how they could potentially interact with other drugs, particularly if you are taking prescribed anti-anxiety medication.

Therapy:

Therapy is a very useful tool for managing stress and anxiety; it can help to have somebody who you can talk things through with. A qualified, experienced therapist will also be able to help you learn better methods for managing your anxiety and stress which you may not have thought about on your own. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is ideal for anxiety as it helps with better coping mechanisms and provides you with the tools you need to manage your stress levels.

Aromatherapy:

Smelling soothing essential oils can also be a great way to help ease the symptoms of stress and anxiety. Certain scents can work better than others for some people, so it’s a good idea to try various options to see what works for you. Lavender has been known to be particularly helpful when it comes to stress and anxiety; results of a study carried out in 2012 suggested that aromatherapy with lavender may be able to reduce the heart rate in the short-term, and ease sleep issues in the long term.

When it comes to reducing the symptoms of stress and anxiety, there are many natural, herbal and home therapies and remedies to choose from. Some may work better than others, so it’s worth trying a few to see what works best for you.

 

AnnaLisa Scott

TheWorryGames.com

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