5 Ways to Reduce Anxiety Naturally
Anxiety impacts millions of people across the globe. While it can be more severe for some than others, living with it isn’t easy, no matter what.
The best thing you can do if you’re struggling with anxiety is to reach out to a mental health professional for help. But there are also natural, effective ways to reduce anxiety each day on your own.
Keep in mind that these natural remedies don’t get to the “root” of your anxiety the way a therapist can. However, if you’re looking for a way to alleviate your symptoms, these safe and effective solutions can help.
1. Be More Mindful
Mindfulness is one of the best ways to reduce anxiety naturally. However, it isn’t necessarily something you can turn on instantly. Rather, it’s a practice. Close your eyes and focus on slow, deep breaths.
Think about the present and your surroundings. What do you smell? What do you hear? How does your body feel at this very moment?
Thoughts will continue to try to come into your mind, but don’t let yourself hold onto them. Rather, as they enter, let them pass by like clouds.
Mindfulness practices can become part of your daily routine or something you do when you start to feel anxious thoughts creep in.
2. Start Journaling
Sometimes, the best way to reduce anxious thoughts is simply to get them out in the open. Ideally, that means talking to someone about your thoughts and feelings. But that can be easier said than done.
Another option is to write down those thoughts and feelings in a journal. Consider keeping a small notebook with you at all times. When invasive, anxious thoughts try to take over, jot them down. Getting them out on paper can help to pull you back to reality and make it easier to calm down.
3. Get Physical
Most people recognize that exercise is great for your physical health, but it can work wonders on your mental well-being, too.
Find a type of exercise you enjoy, and you’ll boost the hormones in your brain that reduce stress and promote happiness. Try things like hiking, swimming, cycling, or have some fun with a dance class or sport! The “runner’s high” you experience after any kind of physical activity lasts for a long time, and if you make exercise a part of your routine, you’ll enjoy a better mood more often.
4. Distract Yourself
Anxiety tends to get worse when it feels like you have nothing else to focus on. That’s why some people tend to experience greater anxiety at night when they’re alone with their thoughts.
Distracting yourself from those anxious thoughts doesn’t mean ignoring or avoiding them permanently. It’s important to address the deeper roots of your anxiety if you want to heal. But, to temporarily relieve your symptoms, find a healthy way to keep those thoughts from taking over. Go for a walk, read a book, or listen to your favorite music.
5. Stay Social
Having a strong support system is essential for anyone with anxiety. Lean on your family and friends as often as possible, and don’t be afraid to open up about your feelings. Again, when you’re alone with your anxious thoughts, they can become worse. Staying social can serve as a positive distraction, remind you that you’re not alone, and help you feel supported as you work to overcome anxiety completely.
Speaking of fighting back against anxiety, please don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. These solutions can work for everyday symptom management, but you don’t deserve to live with the undertones of anxiety forever. Anxiety therapy is the best way to deal with it and move forward, don’t hesitate to reach out to learn more.