Use Herbs to Decrease Anxiety
Lavender and chamomile have proven to be an effective remedy for both anxiety and depression.
This herb has a calming, relaxing effect and helps with sleep, panic attacks, irritability and restlessness. It has also been shown to be just as effective as the drug Lorazepam without the sedative effects.
I’ve used this myself, and I find it very useful.
There are many lavender products you can find online such as:
- Bath salts
- Diffusers
- Air Sprays
- Candles
- Potpourri
- Pillow mist
Chamomile is an herb that has been used for thousands of years in herbal medicines. The calming effects of chamomile tea promote sleep as well as anxiety and stress relief.
Chamomile can be taken either as a tea or by capsule, which can be found at many health or grocery stores.
If you have asthma, please consult your doctor before using chamomile as it has been found to exacerbate symptoms.
Cut Down on Caffeine
Too much caffeine can make you jittery and anxious. Consuming too much caffeine can cause you to feel more nervous and keep you up when you need to sleep.
If you drink a lot of coffee, try reducing your intake by a cup a day and see if you notice any decrease in symptoms. I used to drink a lot more coffee than I do now and I saw the benefits of cutting back.
Also, be sure to be aware of other sources of caffeine such as sodas, energy drinks, teas and even some ice creams.
Practice Meditation
Mediation is something I tried briefly in the past but couldn’t quite get my focus to work with it.
It was only very recently that I decided to practice meditation again and this time my efforts have been successful. If like me, you tend to get distracted easily, I suggest finding a spot that is quiet and devoid of any distractions and surrounding noise.
Mindfulness meditation is a proven way to reduce anxiety as well as your overall mental health. The Internet is packed full of meditation techniques and videos should you want to give it a try.
Acupuncture and Massage Therapy
Acupuncture is an ancient form of alternative medicine where fine needles are inserted on particular sites in the body. This alternative medicine has been found to stimulate the part of the brain that controls emotions, including anxiety.
In addition to this, depending on where the needles are situated, acupuncture can help to relieve pain, stress and tension that may be contributing to your anxiety.
Massage therapy relieves tension and stress in your body. Relaxation created by regular massage lowers your blood pressure and elevates your mood.
Professional massage therapists can target specific areas that carry symptoms of your anxiety. Massage therapy improves sleep by reducing insomnia and relieving pain from muscle tension.
Fake Laugh to Elevate Your Mood
Laughing and smiling causes the brain to release dopamine, which makes you feel happy. It’s been proven that even a phony laugh can give you a shot of dopamine, too.
Laughter increases the oxygen in your body, which leads to muscle relaxation. It shifts your focus and elevates your mood.
Hang out with your friends, watch a comedy or read a funny book. Bringing laughter into your life more regularly helps you to look at the world around you more positively.
Laugh more, feel happier and relieve those anxious feelings.
Talking Therapy Can Help
Some of us find it easier to talk to strangers than we to do our family and friends.
As someone who has taken both counseling and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), I can personally vouch for how effective Talking Therapies can be.
You are usually assigned a therapist who will work with you one-on-one for the duration of your therapy sessions. This creates a safe, calm and private environment where you can feel relaxed enough to talk openly.
In this environment, you can feel free to express your emotions, troubles and fears without the feeling of being misunderstood or judged. Sometimes just talking to someone about our feelings, worries and issues helps us to not only ourselves but also others.
Different types of talking therapies include:
- Mindfulness
- Bereavement Counselling
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Cognitive Analytic Therapy
- Counselling
- Interpersonal Therapy
- Family therapy
- Psychoanalysis
If you are interested in seeking therapy for anxiety or any other mental health issues, speak to your doctor who can refer you to your nearest therapists.
The Bottom Line…
These are my favorite ways to combat an anxious mind. Try them out and see if they work for you. Don't be afraid to ask others too about how they relieve their anxiety.
