6 NATURAL WAYS TO DEAL
WITH ANXIETY AND STRESS
From our friends at Pure Kana
Anxiety is a common mental health problem affecting millions of people every year. Stress is often a component of that anxiety. Although there are prescription medications to treat anxiety, there are also many nondrug treatments that are safe and effective. Using natural remedies will help to improve your emotional state, and should be your first step for lowing stress and anxiety levels. Enjoy a few simple
1. Yoga Breathing
Focusing on your breath is a classic yoga breathing exercise. Because you can’t be anxious at the same time you are taking deep breaths, this technique is immediately relaxing. Deep breathing is easy to do, and is very effective in terms of reducing stress and anxiety.
Sit in a comfortable and quiet place, and close your eyes. Exhale completely through your mouth, then inhale through your nose for a count of four. Hold your breath for a count of seven, then exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of eight. Repeat this breathing exercise a few times until you feel calm.
2. A Walk in the Woods
Taking a walk is a form of aerobic that releases endorphins and makes you feel better. Although a walk around the city can certainly help with stress, nothing beats a quality stroll through nature. In fact, some say that a person has lower stress hormones after walking in a forest than after a walk in an urban area. The fresh air, sunshine, woodsy smells, sounds of birds and babbling streams, and the (potentially) majestic views can all contribute to the reduction of anxiety and the creation of internal peace and calm. Sometimes, a 20 minute walk is all it takes to feel better.
3. Herbal Extracts
Herbs have been used for millennia to help treat various diseases and medical conditions. There are many herbs and plant extracts that may offer psychological benefits and help to relax an anxious mind. Drinking quality chamomile tea a few times a day, for example, has a relaxing effect on both the mind and body. Lavender oil is another popular herb that may help with stress. You can place a few drops of lavender extract in a cup of boiling water, then inhale the aroma. You can even apply a few drops to your wrist or collarbone and allow the aroma to soothe you and calm your mind. Other than tea and oils, eating quality, natural, plant-based foods in general may help to balance unstable stress levels.
4. Mindful Meditation
Mindful meditation has been used for centuries by Buddhists, and it's now becoming a relatively mainstream meditative technique for stress relief. This meditation is done by paying attention to each passing moment. By focusing on and experiencing what is really happening around you – your breath, the sound of traffic in the distance, the hum of a refrigerator - you won’t think about the worries and fears that cause anxiety and stress. A daily meditation practice of at least 10 minutes in which you are mindfully aware of the present may help reduce stress stemming from thoughts about possible future events.
5. A Hot Bath
A soothing hot bath is always a great way to relax. And if you add a few drops of lavender oil, you can even turn your average bathroom environment into a spa-like experience. Also, adding Epsom salt may help increase the calming effect of a hot bath. The hot water itself will also raise your body temperature, which may improve your overall mood. Lastly, the hot water can help relieve muscle tension, which can lead to stress. This warmth may explain why exercising, drinking hot tea, sitting in a sauna, and sunbathing can all help to improve your general outlook and emotional well-being.
6. Eating Quality, Nutritious Food
Many people eat when they feel stressed or anxious, but few realize that poor quality foods can actually exacerbate stress and anxiety. It’s important to eat breakfast if you suffer from chronic or temporary anxiety, and you can also have a healthy snack in the middle of the day, such as dark chocolate or walnuts. Foods that have the essential nutrient choline (such as eggs), may help to lower anxiety. Studies actually show that a deficiency in choline can result in higher levels of anxiety. In general, eating quality, healthy, "real" food (as opposed to packaged or highly processed foods) can work wonders in lowering stress and stabilizing emotional well-being.
By using one or more natural remedies, you may be able to reduce your anxiety and stress, and feel more emotionally balanced. Treat your body the way it deserves to be treated - anxiety and stress don’t have to be a major part of your life.
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