13 natural remedies for anxiety

There is an overwhelming amount of things to cause worry these days. Whether it is money, work, health or family. The feeling of anxiety is not pleasant and it’s often hard to just relax.

You may want to try some of these natural remedies next time you experience this feeling. Some work right away while others may simply help lessen the experienced anxiety over time.

Below are 13 remedies for you to try.

1. Drink tea

A cuppa camomile tea can work wonders to calm you down. You can also take it in a supplement form and studies have shown that those who took the supplement experienced decreased anxiety symptoms than those on a placebo.

Another anxiety-reducing tea is green tea. This contains the compound L-theanine and helps to curb a rising heart rate and blood pressure.

2. Hops

Yes, this is found in beer but it also has another use. It has a tranquillising benefit so it is often used as a sedative to promote sleep.

3. Lemon balm 

This herb has been used since the Middle Ages to reduce stress and improve sleep. It is sold as a tea, capsule or tincture and is often combined with hops, camomile and valerian.

4. Valerian 

This is commonly used as a sleep aid, for insomnia as it contains sedative compounds.It doesn’t smell great so you can take it in a capsule rather than in tea and is often combined with other herbs like hops and camomile.

5. Passionflower

This herb is a sedative and has been found to reduce anxiety just as effective as prescription medication. It’s commonly used for insomnia as it helps cause drowsiness. Be sure to only use one sedative herb at a time.

6. Exercise

It’s should be no surprise that exercise is a powerful antidote for depression and anxiety. Exercise can help improve your self-esteem and improve your health, which can therefore decrease your worry about illness and health. It is said that there is a 21-minute cure; take 21 minutes out of your day to go for a walk or get your heart rate up and this is will help improve calm you down.

In fact, a recent study has proven that constantly sitting down could even worsen anxiety and mental health. Exercise and spending time in nature can do magical things for your mind and body.

7. Hold your breath 

Holding your breath has been proven to lower stress and anxiety because you can’t breathe deeply and be anxious at the same time. According to various accounts, you should do the 4-7-8 breath exercise: exhale from your mouth and then inhale for a count of 4, hold for 7 seconds and let it out through your mouth for a count of eight. This exercise will help you focus on your breathing.

Also try to stop catastrophizing. This means that you don’t jump to the worst case scenario. Instead, take a few deep breaths and consider the real probability of the problem; chances are it is a lot less likely than you think.

8. Eat something

Many times we get anxious and irritable because our blood sugar is low and we need to eat something. Long-term diet is also very important to consider when dealing with reducing anxiety. Try to avoid massive energy strikes by focusing on whole and plant-based foods rather than sugary options. Similarly, it is also very important that you eat breakfast. For instance, start your day with eggs that are satiating and filled with protein.

9. Consume omega-3 rich foods 

Fish oils are good for your heart and also prevent anxiety. It is recommended to get this from your food whenever possible but it is possible to take a supplement.

10. Get hot

Heat up your body to reduce tension and anxiety. Find a place you can go for a sauna or steam, or simply have a hot shower. The sensation of warmth helps to provide a sense of relaxation and well-being.

11. Go for a bush walk 

Get some fresh air; the woodsy smell and sounds can help to reduce stress compared to an urban area.

12. Learn mindful meditation 

This therapy is particularly effective in treating anxiety. It allows once to experience the truest sense of each moment rather than the expected or feared. To begin, simply focus on the present moment with intention and curiosity. Then continue to practice breathing exercises and allow yourself to relax– close your eyes and focus on how your breath feels coming in and out of your body.

13. Give yourself credit

Congratulation yourself on a daily basis. If you’re noticing that you have anxious thoughts that’s a big step in the right direction because you’re aware of your emotional state.

Tell us, have you tried any other tips to help you calm down? How do you handle your anxiety?