It’s normal to feel anxious from time to time, but if you’re exhibiting symptoms of anxiety (such as excessive worry, restlessness, fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating and insomnia) every day for several months, you may have an anxiety disorder that needs treatment.
Severe anxiety disorders are often treated with medications like antidepressants, SSRIs and MAOIs, but people with mild to moderate anxiety symptoms can often find some sort of relief through natural anxiety treatments. Even though these methods are “natural,” it’s important to check with your doctor to determine if these treatments are safe for you, especially if you’re taking antidepressants or other medications, which can react dangerously with some herbal and natural supplements. If your doctor gives you the go-ahead, try these six natural ways to treat your anxiety symptoms
Breathing Exercises
Take a moment to close your eyes and focus only on your breathing. Inhale slowly through your nose. Feel your diaphragm move up into your rib cage and extend your belly outward as you inhale. Slowly push out your breath as you exhale through your mouth. Feel the stress being breathed out of your body. It is no longer a part of you. Each breath should take 6 seconds to complete. Spend 3 seconds slowly inhaling through your nose and the other 3 seconds slowly exhaling through your mouth. Take 5-10 breaths like this and you’ll instantly feel more relaxed.
Drink Green Tea
L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea plants. It also promotes relaxation and modifies the stimulating effects of the caffeine present in green tea. What does that mean exactly? Well L-theanine is a caffeine antagonist, meaning that it offsets the “hyper” effect of caffeine. That is why many people will have a “soothing” cup of tea and not a soothing cup of coffee. Green tea contains more theanine than the other teas. Try drinking Green Tea in the morning for a more gradual and calming wake-up boost.
Exercise
Although Cardio Exercise like running or bike riding is more effective for relieving anxiety, weight lifting works well too. Really, just getting to the gym in general and burning off some steam is a wonderful way to feel better. Exercise doesn't just provide a physical release. You’re also providing a mental release as well. By exercising, you counterbalance your negative thoughts with a positive feeling that you are taking steps towards improving your health. In effect, you cast aside worry and calm your mind with the natural high of working out.
Go for a Walk
Nothing clears my head like a nice brisk walk. This is even better if you have beautiful backgrounds of nature to stroll through. Whenever I visit my extended family, I always make time for a 10 minute walk around their lake. As you walk, think about the rhythm of your body as you stride from one step to the next. It’s calming to focus on your breathing. Concentrate on each breath and empty your thoughts as you move along.
Stretch
Every night before bed, take 5 minutes to stretch. Even if it’s just touching your toes, every bit helps. When you stretch, you relieve tension in your back and muscles. You’ll feel calmer and more relaxed instantly. This is a great way to prepare for a fantastic night’s sleep. If you prefer not to stretch right before bed, you can stretch before going to the gym. It helps circulation and prevents injury as well. This anxiety reliever takes just minutes and it really does wonders. As a side benefit, you’ll feel so much better physically. Since I started stretching, I've noticed significantly less muscle cramps and soreness after a workout. I can honestly say this technique has made me feel younger and more vibrant.
Eat Your Favorite Food
I’m not telling you to go out and binge to get over your anxiety. Obviously that’s not a healthy strategy. However, you are allowed to indulge in your favorite comfort foods when things get particularly stressful. It gives you that psychological satisfaction your mind needs and it forces you to reach out to comforting zones. However it is advisable not to overeat high calorie comforting foods and feel sorry later for your health. So indulge sometimes but in moderation!