10 Natural Remedies For Anxiety

We’ve all had moments in our lives where we have to fight off anxiety. For some of us, those moments are fleeting. For others, anxiety can be a daily occurrence, debilitating and frustrating on many levels.

Prescription medications can help ease chronic anxiety, but there is always a concern about the addictive component with some of these drugs and the long-term effects they can have on us physically.

While you should always check with your doctor before starting a new regimen, there are some natural anxiety treatments available that could potentially be a valuable addition to your treatment plan.

Here are 10 natural remedies for anxiety.

1. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is both relaxing and calming, and can help with insomnia as well as reducing anxiety and stress.

Drink a cup of this tea late in the day or right before bed to give you peace of mind and a stress-free night of sleep.

2. Valerian Root

Taking a supplement of valerian root, available in tea or capsule form, has been shown to help significantly with stress management and sleeplessness.

It is considered a sedative, so it’s best to take it just before bedtime.

3. Magnesium

Magnesium, an often-overlooked and yet very crucial mineral, helps to regulate the nervous system and can affect stress, anxiety and irritability.

Taking a magnesium supplement before bed can help you sleep better, reduce restlessness and minimize anxiety symptoms.

4. Eat Right

Many people who suffer from anxiety tend to skip meals, which can actually increase anxiety levels.

Make sure you eat at regular intervals and keep heart-healthy snacks like nuts or dark chocolate on hand to help keep your body on an even keel.

5. Yoga

As it turns out, downward dog has benefits that go beyond making your core tight and muscles strong.

Regular yoga sessions not only improve physical health, they promote emotional wellbeing and provide a greater sense of overall relaxation.

6. Meditation

As new-agey as it might sound, meditation has long been recommended as a way to deal with anxiety and stress.

And don’t worry, you don’t have to sit for hours and hours. Research shows that people can benefit from as little as 5-10 minutes a day of mindful meditation.

7. Lavender

The scent of lavender has been shown to reduce anxiety and ease emotional pressure. Lavender oils can be used with infusers, or you can rub a little inside each wrist.

Keep a vial in your bag or purse for those stressful moments, or get a lavender-scented pillow for a good night’s sleep.

8. Breathing

Yep, just breathing can help your anxiety! Try the 4-7-8 method, where you exhale through your mouth, then inhale through your nose for a count of four.

Hold your breath and count to seven, then exhale slowly through the mouth for a count of eight.

9. Sauna

Warming up our bodies helps reduce muscle tension and can also alleviate stress and anxiety.

Make use of that sauna or steam room at the gym, or even run a hot bath at home and take a soak to relieve anxiety.

10. Massage

Regular therapeutic massage is not only good for sore muscles, it can also ease our minds.

Studies indicate that it can be a beneficial treatment for those who suffer from Generalized Anxiety Disorder, as well as promoting general relaxation.