- Introduction
- Deep Breathing
- Aromatherapy
- Distractions
- Natural Herbs and Supplements
- Physical Affection
Introduction
Stress, panic, worry or whatever people want to call it, anxiety is an unfortunate reality. It doesn’t feel like it should be though. The human mind is capable of so much, including being able to decipher the root cause of a problem, then isolating and filtering out irrational thoughts that just don’t line up reasonably with the problem. If a person knows that the sun is coming up tomorrow and that they are able to continue on with their journey, then they should be able to shake off the minute details that has them so worried and just move on. But, it’s just not that easy.
The cause of anxiety can be a very real problem though. Medical conditions and tragedy are obviously justifiable causes of anxiety. Our hearts go out to those people. For those that suffer from anxiety but cannot understand why exactly, we urge you to continue the battle and emerge from the depths of stress and anxiety to a new day! If you are uninterested in the side-effects that often come with pharmaceuticals, here are 5 natural remedies to reduce anxiety.
1 - Deep Breathing for Anxiety
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It may sound silly and maybe even obnoxious to tell someone to take a breath when they are stressed. However, it’s important to remember that breathing exercises are genuine therapies for stress. Whole exercise and fitness routines, like yoga or even some martial arts, make breathing exercises a major focus of the disciplines. Yoga instructors often make students do vinyasa as a major part of each workout. It is a sort of meditative state where students make deep throated noises to facilitate smooth breathing while transitioning between poses. Yoga instructors will continuously have their students bring their attention back to their breathing throughout the class.
Martial Arts
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In many martial arts, like aikido, instructors train their students to breathe in through their noses during the initial attack and exhale at the end of an attack. Students will sit on the back of their legs around the mat in a position referred to as seiza, raising their hands way above their heads while breathing in through their nose and then lower their arms slowly breathing out through their mouth. Maintaining composure is essential for most martial arts. They teach that a focused mind is the only way to stay martial. These sorts of deep breathing exercises have been used by people for many centuries and are not intended only for the mat, but to be incorporated as part of a general lifestyle. To be martial is to always be aware.
Smart Watches
It is not a coincidence that many smart watches like the Apple watch constantly remind their wearers that they should breathe. When people feel stressed, they often hold their breath. Doctors are bringing more attention to a condition called sleep apnea, a condition where the patient holds their breath so often that they even do it in their sleep. Breathing evenly and a good night’s sleep are essential natural remedies to reduce anxiety. Bringing more attention to your breathing throughout the day is a simple and relaxing solution for many people that want to combat their anxiety naturally.
2 - Aromatherapy
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Our olfactory senses play a much bigger role in our emotions than many people realize. Think about how you feel when you eat a piece of creamy chocolate or put a savory spoonful of hot soup in your mouth. The smells and tastes often make us close our eyes and just take a moment to appreciate how satisfying it feels. Making food in the kitchen fills the house with amazing smells. Just think of how often people walk into the kitchen and talk about how good it smells. Simmering garlic or deglazing a pan with a rich red wine fills our minds with a calmness. Many cooks and chefs may find it interesting to really think back on why they decided to learn how to cook in the first place. On the surface it may look like tedious back breaking work, but when a person really learns how to cook, it is a calming act that comes with a knowledge that the end product is nourishing.
Essential Oils
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They make all of these diffusers now too that emit amazing smells from these essential oils infused with lavender, pine, lemon and more. A fine mist is emitted from the top and is often accompanied by these comforting pastel colors. People light scented candles to create calming settings in their homes with amazing aromas. Gardening fills people’s yard with beautiful colors and floral smells that relaxes them. People drop bath bombs into warm tubs and luxuriate in the warm water while wonderful smells that calms them fills the room. Smells interact with our bodies and minds in many ways that can change a person’s mood quickly without them even necessarily noticing. Have you tried surrounding yourself with smells you find amazing?
3 - Distractions
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What do you love to do? Really love? People have been known to call certain hobbies guilty pleasures because they may not represent productive work. But, when people dissect their day-to-day lives, a guilty pleasure can be a very productive thing especially if it lets a person get past stress and anxiety that is keeping their lives at a standstill. Maybe it’s binge watching shows on Netflix or going to the movies. Maybe it’s reading romance novels or listening to science fiction audiobooks on Audible. Perhaps you like playing video games, quilting, building legos, doing puzzles, painting or listening to classical music. While too much of these sorts of activities certainly can become unproductive, they can be quick go-tos for distractions from what is stressing people out. Embrace the things you love to do that takes your mind away from the pressures of life and allow them to turn from a guilt pleasure into a natural remedy to reduce anxiety.
4 - Natural Herbs and Supplements
Many people look for holistic all-natural medicinal herbs and supplements to bring them peace. Some people take vitamins, others look to herbs.
Vitamins
Here is a list of vitamins people consider for anxiety:
- Vitamin A
- B-Complex
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Fish Oil
- Magnesium
Herbs
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Here is a list of herbs people often consider for anxiety treatment:
- Ashwagandha
- Bacopa
- Chamomile
- Kava kava
- Lavender
- Lemon balm
- St. John’s Wort
5 - Physical Affection
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Don’t forget the most important natural remedy to stress and anxiety. Love. Go spend time with your family. Plan a vacation with them and give yourself something to look forward to. Go visit old friends or meet your besty for a drink somewhere. If you don’t have a furry friend, then go get one. Dogs and cats need homes and they will always be excited to see you when you get home. The comfort of family, friends and pets may very well be the best all natural remedy to anxiety. Don’t forget about the actual act of making love, that can be a real stress reducer too. The importance of physical contact, whether it is a comforting hand on the shoulder, a hug, or a soft purring cat sleeping in your lap, cannot be understated when it comes to anxiety remedies.