Everyone feels anxious now and again, as it is a natural human response when we are under pressure or believe we are facing a threat. However, when anxiety becomes a part of everyday life, whether it is warranted or not, it can be debilitating and may cause significant mental and physical health issues. If you are struggling with anxiety on a regular basis, it is best to contact a doctor and/or mental health professional to get the medication and/or support that you need. There may also be some steps that you can take to ease your symptoms without medication. Here are 5 natural treatments that may help to soothe anxiety.
1. Choose the right foods
The link between the gut and the brain is now much clearer to scientists and doctors. In fact, 95% of our serotonin receptors are in the lining of the gut, so it makes sense that what we eat has a direct impact on our mental health. Eating certain foods and avoiding others can help to reduce anxiety in some people, such as foods that are rich in magnesium, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, tryptophan, and antioxidants. Find out more about foods that can help anxiety over at Medical News Today. Limiting your intake of alcohol and caffeine is also recommended as they can amplify anxiety symptoms.
2. Try taking supplements
In addition to eating the right foods, many people find that taking supplements can help to reduce anxiety such as B vitamins or CBD products. Studies have found that vitamin B can help us to manage stress by balancing hormones and neurotransmitters. CBD is a chemical compound found in cannabis, but it does not have a psychoactive effect on the brain. Some people find that taking CBD supplements calms their anxiety. Head over to platinumcbduk.com to see the types of CBD supplements that are available.
3. Spend more time in nature
Being outside exposes us to fresh air and sunlight, both of which can help us to relax by lowering our blood pressure and reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Simply spending time in nature enjoying the sights, sounds, and scents can be very healing, but if you can manage to do some light exercise outside your mood-boosting endorphins will also be triggered.
4. Seek out warmth and comfort
Most people feel more relaxed when they feel warm as it helps the muscles to relax and improves the circulation of oxygenated blood. We typically associate warmth with feelings of safety in childhood, and there is a school of thought that believes warmth affects neural paths that control serotonin, lifting our mood. Try taking a warm shower, bath, hot tub, sauna, curl up by the fire, or enjoy bathing in sunlight. You could also use a sauna blanket from MiHigh inside the comfort of your bedroom.
5. Explore complementary treatments
Some people find complementary therapies such as acupuncture and massage to be helpful when trying to relieve both anxiety and stress. Therapeutic massage eases tension in the muscles, improves circulation, and can reduce the body’s ‘fight or flight response. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that involves inserting tiny needles into the skin in key places to bring balance to the body’s energy flows. Click here for more information on acupuncture.