Anxiety has become increasingly common. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly a third of the U.S. population experienced anxiety, and studies have found that generalized anxiety increased even more during it.
While many turn to pharmaceutical drugs for relief, those medications often come with side effects that can be debilitating, including feelings of apathy and diminished sex drive. Fortunately, there are other ways to fight off anxiety and get those nerves under control so you can feel like yourself again.
CBD
Early research has shown promising signs for the use of cannabidiol (CBD) in combating anxiety. A compound naturally found in cannabis, it isn’t like THC, which is another type of cannabinoid known for providing a “high.” Instead, it can bring many benefits from pain relief and better sleep to easing anxiety. It’s believed to work by affecting serotonin levels in the brain, a substance that plays a role in one’s mood, digestion, sleep, and behaviors. Some medications like antidepressants work by regulating serotonin levels, and studies have suggested that CBD may work similarly.
CBD comes in a wide variety of forms, with CBD candy one of the most popular ways to consume it, avoiding the downsides of smoking.
Lemon Balm Essential Oil
This essential oil is derived from a calming herb that’s a member of the mint family, used as far back as the Middle Ages for decreasing anxiety and improving other health issues. Today it’s used for anxiety as well as treating many other ailments like insomnia and chronic stress. The benefits can be attributed to its powerful sedative, nervine, hypotensive, antispasmodic, and other properties that are known to help create a feeling of peace while promoting emotional balance. Research in 2013 out of Australia found that the effects of lemon balm essential oil helped to improve anxiety and depression.
Simply inhaling lemon balm essential oil through the nose so that it travels to the brain and nervous system can bring instant calm.
Meditation
Meditation requires no tools, all you need to do is quiet the mind, using deep breaths to halt racing thoughts that can bring fear and worry. With regular practice, it makes it easier to understand that you aren’t just your thoughts, allowing you to detach from them, feel more centered and calm while experiencing a sense of calm. It also helps develop the skill of non-judgmentally looking at any problems you might be facing without placing too much value on them and boosts endorphin levels too. Those “feel-good” hormones are well-known for reducing anxiety and stress while lifting the mood.
Exercise
One of the best natural anti-anxiety prescriptions comes in the form of exercise. Getting physical raises those endorphin levels to help you feel better on the inside while taking your mind off your problems. Don’t think you have to run a marathon. All it takes is at least 30 minutes of physical activity three to five days a week. Any moment is good, it’s whatever works for you – you can even turn up the tunes and just dance around your house.
