One of the most common mental health issues, many people around the world deal with chronic stress and anxiety. From nervousness, agitation and tension to a racing heart and even chest pain, stress and anxiety can cause a number of issues that prevent us from living our everyday lives peacefully, happily and without any worries. However, before you resort to prescription drugs to manage your stress or anxiety disorder, it would be a good idea to give some of these safe and efficient natural remedies a try:
Calming chamomile
If you experience a jittery moment, a cup of warm chamomile tea might help calm you down, as some ingredients in chamomile are known to bind to the same brain receptors as strong drugs, such as Valium. Another option would be to take chamomile as a supplement, which is typically standardized to contain 1.2% apigenin (an active ingredient), along with dried chamomile flowers, and has been proven to significantly reduce anxiety symptoms in affected patients.
Soothing lavender
Although aromatherapy has been used to treat both mental and physical disorders for centuries, essential oil from lavender has been found to have especially effective anti-anxiety properties. One study suggests that Silexan, a pill containing lavender essential oil, was as effective as Lorazepam, and anti-anxiety drug, in reducing anxiety symptoms in people with Generalised Anxiety Disorder. However, lavender oil can be used in a number of different ways to reduce stress and anxiety, whether you diffuse it, spray it around the room, put a little oil on your wrist at night or spray it on your pillow for calm and happy sleep.
Beneficial cannabinoid
Known for efficiently alleviating symptoms of serious diseases, such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and even some forms of cancer, cannabinoids are especially helpful at treating stress and anxiety disorders. Increasing in popularity over the last couple of years, natural Shango marijuana concentrates have been used as pure analgesics that help the body recover, rest and relax completely, while soothing the mind after a panic attack or even a particularly long day, helping to significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels.
Healthy exercise
Even though you might not want to think about exercise when your mind is in overdrive, it is actually one of the best natural solutions for stress and anxiety. Physical activity raises endorphins and serotonin levels in the brain to help you feel better both physically and emotionally. And because our brain isn’t able to equally focus on two things at once, exercise might also take your mind off your problems and the situations that are causing you stress and anxiety. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise 3-5 days a week, but don’t think you have to struggle through a painful workout. Any type of physical activity is highly beneficial, whether it’s a brisk walk, a light jog or rewarding yoga.
Mindful meditation
One of the most powerful ways to influence your mindset and your long-term mental well-being, meditation can help slow down racing thoughts, making it much easier to deal with stress and anxiety, and to find some peace of mind. A wide range of meditation techniques, including mindfulness and meditation during yoga, can be highly effective for people with disorders relating to mood and anxiety, and most importantly, it is a simple habit to introduce into a hectic schedule, as it only takes 15 minutes of mindful meditation in the morning to make the stress of everyday life disappear.
Breathing techniques
Much like the fight or flight response is hardwired into our brains, so is what is called the relaxation response. When triggered, the relaxation response instantly and automatically sends neurochemicals to our brain that neutralize the fight or flight response and help alleviate the symptoms of stress and anxiety, including panic attacks. One of the most efficient ways to elicit this response is through controlled breathing. So, whenever you find yourself in a stressful situation, breathe in through your nose to the count of three, and then out to the count of three, until your breathing is under control.
Stress and anxiety disorders can be extremely difficult to live with, but it is possible to battle them without medication. Sometimes, overcoming the worries and nervousness is simply a matter of changing your everyday habits and your lifestyle.
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