Anxiety is a natural human response to feeling stressed and can be a regular feeling in our daily lives. It’s important to recognize that experiencing anxiety is normal, but we shouldn’t allow it to keep us from carrying out daily tasks. Here are a few natural remedies to help cope with and manage anxiety.
Exercising
Exercise releases endorphins, our body’s natural mood lifters that help with pain and stress. Engaging in moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes daily can help reduce anxiety. Whether your choice of exercise is a brisk walk, a yoga class, or hitting the gym, engaging in physical activity can be beneficial for our mental and physical health.
Journaling
Writing things down is a powerful method to cope with anxiety as it is your body’s natural way of releasing any emotions or tension that it may be holding onto. Journaling for just a few minutes a day or a few times a week can help you gain mental clarity and powerful insight.
Meditating
Meditating is an effective tool for managing anxiety for many reasons. It helps quiet the mind and eliminate distractions so that you can bring your attention and focus to your body’s needs. Meditating helps to connect and align the mind, body, and spirit.
Being in Nature
Spending time outdoors and being in nature can have a calming effect on the mind. Whether walking, gardening, or simply sitting outside, being in touch with nature can improve and lift your mood as it helps to ease the mind.
Maintaining a Well-Balanced Diet
Eating whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats is beneficial for the brain as they support brain function. Staying away from over-processed and sugary foods can help manage anxiety as they cause spikes in blood sugar levels which can lead to energy crashes and increased anxiety.
Maintaining a Regular Sleeping Pattern
Managing your sleep and maintaining a regular sleep pattern is crucial in managing anxiety. Aim for about 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Try setting a sleep schedule and going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. Exercising, reading, taking a bath, or sipping on a warm cup of tea before bed can help improve sleep quality.
Reducing Caffeine Intake
Significantly reducing caffeine intake can help you feel calmer and more balanced. Excessive amounts of caffeine can overstimulate the nervous system and in turn can lead to heightened feelings of anxiety. Reducing caffeine, or cutting it out altogether for those that are caffeine-sensitive, can have a positive effect on soothing feelings of anxiety.
Drinking Tea
Chamomile tea is caffeine-free and it is known for its calming properties that can help soothe anxiety. Drinking a warm cup of chamomile tea before bed can help you relax, wind down, and prepare for a restful night.
Experiencing anxiety is normal as it is our body’s natural response to feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or unsafe. The next time you feel anxious, try taking a moment to use one of these methods to help soothe and calm these feelings. Get in tune with your mind, body, and spirit to ensure you are taking the time to care for yourself.
