Living with anxiety can be difficult, overwhelming even. Sometimes, it can feel like nothing will quickly or easily change the feeling of stress in your body or apprehension in your mind.
However, there are plenty of natural remedies for anxiety that are very real and effective treatments for anxiety. If you’re already using medication or would want to avoid using it for one reason or another, then you might instead want to take a look at some of the more natural solutions, such as exercise, out there. Here, we’re going to look at a few of your options and why each is worth considering.
Massage
Massage therapy is a powerful remedy for easing anxiety. By relaxing the muscles and increasing circulation, massage helps reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as tension and tightness in the body.
During a massage, the body’s production of stress hormones, such as cortisol, is reduced, while feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine increase.
This helps alleviate feelings of anxiety and promotes an overall sense of calm and well-being. Regular massage therapy, whether it’s a professional session or at-home massages with a partner or self-massage tools, can be a valuable part of managing anxiety.
Aromatherapy
The use of essential oils in aromatherapy is another effective remedy for anxiety. Scents have a direct impact on the brain, particularly the limbic system, which is responsible for emotions and memory.
Lavender, chamomile, and ylang-ylang essential oils are especially known for their calming effects. You can use aromatherapy in various forms: through a diffuser, applying diluted oils to the skin, or adding a few drops to a warm bath. Inhaling these soothing aromas promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety by inducing a more tranquil state of mind.
CBD
CBD (cannabidiol) has become increasingly popular as a natural remedy for anxiety. Derived from the cannabis plant but without the psychoactive effects of THC, CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating mood and anxiety.
Studies have shown that CBD can reduce anxiety symptoms by calming the nervous system, promoting relaxation, and improving sleep. CBD & THC products for anxiety come in various forms, such as oils, capsules, edibles, or topical creams. Find the one that fits your preferences and needs and see if it can be as effective for you as it is for many others.
Journaling
Journaling is a highly effective technique for managing anxiety. Writing down thoughts and feelings helps to organize them, providing clarity and reducing mental clutter.
The act of journaling allows individuals to release their worries, helping to diminish the power anxiety has over them. It also offers an opportunity to track anxiety triggers and recognize patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Creating a daily or weekly journaling practice can help you process emotions and work through anxious thoughts in a safe, non-judgmental way, making it an excellent tool for long-term anxiety management.
The way that anxiety affects us and how we live with it can change from person to person. For many, some of the solutions above might be more effective than others. Don’t give up if one doesn’t do the trick. Keep trying, and you’re a lot more likely to find the method that can help you remedy your anxiety.