If you struggle with anxiety, you know it’s a never-ending battle to overcome your feelings. And sometimes, medication for anxiety isn’t enough to help. By using complementary alternative medicine (also called CAM), many people notice an improvement. Here are a few natural home remedies for anxiety, as well as activities you can try to ease your mind.
How to Overcome Anxiety with Home Remedies
Herbs for Anxiety
There are many herbs that have proved to help reduce symptoms and feelings of anxiety. One of the most common, lavender, is often used for mild anxiety and stress relief. It’s most often used as an aromatherapy method. For stronger anxiety relief, ashwagandha and St. John’s wort are best. Ashwagandha is a powerful anti-inflammatory, which helps release tension and calm your body. If you have underlying problems that are triggering your anxiety, it can help ease it. St. John’s wort is a holistic way to treat anxiety, depression, and extreme stress. It’s also anti-inflammatory and can boost your health. Drink them as a tea or create a strong tincture for extra potency.
Vitamins and Minerals for Anxiety
If you’re low on certain vitamins and minerals, it can cause your whole body to be out of whack. Getting a blood panel done at the doctor will identify any vitamins or minerals you’re depleted of. But, it’s important to make sure you’re getting vitamins that aid and protect the nervous system. These include vitamin A, C, B-complex, and E. They help keep your nervous system functioning at optimal levels. Vitamin E is often overlooked, but one that gets easily depleted during times of stress.
Fish oil also helps protect the nervous system, and it’s rich in omega fatty acids – necessary for brain health. L-theanine is an amino acid that helps boost the nervous system, which you can get from green tea. Check to make sure you’re getting enough magnesium, too. If you’re low on magnesium, it can be triggering anxiety, migraines, and other health issues.
Activities for Anxiety
There are many stress-relieving activities that are popular for easing anxiety. A daily practice of meditation and mindfulness will gradually improve anxiety by calming the mind. Even as little as 5 minutes of conscious focus on the breath can help relieve tension.
Other activities such as coloring, yoga, playing outside, or making time for your favorite hobby can elevate your mood. Saying no to things that aren’t necessary will help clear more time in your day. That will leave you with less overwhelm, and more time for things that make you happy. Shifting this balance can help relieve stress.
Other things you can do to ease anxiety? Eat a sugar-free and low-caffeine diet. Get 7 – 8 hours of sleep every night. And remember to take deep, conscious breaths.
Overcome Your Anxiety
It’s easier said than done, of course. But you can conquer anxiety through a combination of many techniques. Add happiness to your day, relieve tension, and heal your body from the inside out. Herbs and vitamins can help cleanse your body, reduce inflammation, and calm your nervous system. That will help aid your body at the core of the problem. Anxiety-relieving activities, sunshine, and saying no to overwhelm can relieve stress caused by external factors in your day.
While you may never be anxiety-free, you can overcome the daily struggle with conscious effort. You got this!
If you want to learn more about CAM therapy for anxiety, here are some excellent resources:
