Reduce Anxiety Naturally

Reducing anxiety can seem like an uphill battle. Medical assistance can help, but there are more homeopathic methods. There are many steps a person can take to reduce anxiety naturally.

Exercise

Daily exercise is good for both the body and mind. Exercise releases the mood-regulating hormones dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. The anxiety-releasing benefit of exercise can be felt for hours after working out. The exercise can be as gentle as yoga or swimming, or more intense like rock climbing or running a marathon.

Find relaxing moments

Anxiety is largely caused by elevated levels of adrenaline. Finding ways to relax can help reduce adrenaline levels and combat anxiety. Reading, walking in the park, watching a movie, or spending time with loved ones are just a few of the many examples that can create a greater sense of calm. Relaxing activities will vary from person to person.

Breathwork

Anxiety is usually accompanied by shallow and fast breathing. Rapid breaths can lead to increased heart rates, dizziness, and the likelihood of panic attacks. Practicing deep breathing exercises can return breathing and heart rates to normal levels

Meditate

A large part of anxiety is the sense of feeling out of control of surrounding events. Meditation is designed to remove chaotic thoughts and promote a sense of calm and control. Mindfulness will teach the individual to live more in the moment and not worry about the past or the future.

Make time for sleep

Sleep deprivation often leads to irritability. Sleep is the body’s way of restoring body aches and replenishing energy levels. Overly stressed minds also benefit from sleep. Sleep is the mind’s way of processing whatever is causing the anxiety without external influence.

Diet

Nutrition is tied to overall physical and mental health. Diets high in processed sugars can cause temporary energy spikes and lead to mood swings. Low fiber and high carb diets can deplete energy levels. Alcohol will temporarily reduce negative feelings and increase a false sense of euphoria. However, after the buzz wears off the anxiety will come racing back. Caffeine will only increase nervous feelings. Staying hydrated is important. Diets high in antioxidants, fiber, lean proteins, and healthy fats will give the body and mind a healthy platform to operate.

Supplements

When diet is not enough, supplements ensure the individual gets sufficient amounts of vitamins and nutrients. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and GABA are directly linked to mood. The amino acid tryptophan and vitamin inositol promote the release of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. Serotonin and dopamine are known as the happy chemicals. Increasing the release of the happy chemicals reduces anxiety and promotes a greater sense of calm. GABA works to block overactive nerve impulses in the brain often associated with anxiety. Want more GABA? Take extra taurine. Taurine activates GABA receptors. Theanine is also widely used to reduce anxiety and stress.

Achieving a sense of calm

Prescription medication is not the sole answer to reducing anxiety. Natural methods include exercise, meditation, diet, and sleep. Supplements can also help to reduce anxiety and achieve a natural sense of calm. Speak with a healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information about supplements to help reduce anxiety.