Treating Anxiety Naturally

We’ve all learned a lot this past year and a half about how important it is to stay healthy and more importantly, our mental health. There are many things that are already in your pantry or you’ve at least seen in your grocery store aisles. And, if you’re not already visiting your local natural foods stores and farmer’s markets, now’s the time to start. Remember, there is nothing more important in your life than your health, and unfortunately, when we’re feeling good, we take that for granted. But, good health is true wealth, so use nature to keep your mind at its healthiest. Let’s explore ways to do that.

If You’re Stressed

With the regular rollercoaster of life with its ups and downs, and then throwing on top of it the stress of living through a once-in-a-lifetime global pandemic, we are all feeling extra levels of stress and anxiety. Thankfully, you don’t have to turn towards pharmaceuticals if you don’t want to. If you do want to, go for it – but there are plenty of things that exist in nature to help heal you. Some go to’s for stress relief are relaxing things like chamomile and lavender. You can incorporate these into teas for a truly calming experience.

Supplements That Work

Several supplements on the market definitely work to help with mild to moderate anxiety or nervousness. One that has been sweeping the news and world for the last few years is CBD oil. Though it’s derived from the marijuana plant, even CBD oils that are full spectrum do not contain any psychoactive ingredients. So, you get all the relaxing benefits of marijuana consumption without the mental high. CBD is the first line of defense for many anxiety sufferers looking to avoid pharmaceuticals. Another perfect supplement for anxiety sufferers is GABA. GABA, which stands for gamma-aminobutyric acid, is naturally produced as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain and calms overactive nerves. There have been myriad GABA studies that have been shown that it helps support anxiety symptoms.

Plant Perfect

There are many plants that occur naturally that can be harvested to do a ton of work in helping you manage your anxiety. Aside from chamomile and lavender as mentioned above, the real MVP is Holy Basil. Human and animal studies have shown that Holy Basil helps with stress, exhaustion, forgetfulness, sexual issues as well as anxiety. To add to its beneficial properties, especially during a global pandemic, it’s worth noting that Holy Basil packs a nutrient punch full of Vitamin A and C, Zinc, Chlorophyll, Iron, and Calcium. Two more plants to note that can really ease anxiety suffering are Passionflower and Kava Kava root. So, if you’ve got a local natural foods store, head in and talk to someone about these beneficial herbs. If you’ve got a green thumb or are willing to learn, plant them and you’ll never run out!

Work It Out

No, it is not suggested that you just “work out” your anxiety. If you are someone that suffers from panic or anxiety disorder, you understand it’s so layered and isn’t something that is under your control. If it was, you’d snap your fingers and feel better, right? Work it out, by exercise! Studies have shown that regular exercise helps to alleviate symptoms of anxiety. The connection between physical exercise and decreased panic and anxiety isn’t completely understood, but it’s great for your mental health and obviously, your physical health as well.

Meditation and Breathwork

Mindfulness has clearly been having a moment for about the last decade, and if you’re not into this way of living yet – there is no time like the present! Meditation can be intimidating if you’ve never tried it, but thankfully we live in the age where tutelage is at the tip of our fingers twenty-four hours a day. Apps are abundant (many for free) that can teach you how to meditate and you can quickly advance from beginner meditation to intermediate and so on. Meditation and deep breathing exercises go hand in hand, so you’ll learn about breathwork at the same time as your meditation journey. Mastering both of these forms of relaxation and mindfulness has proven benefits for overall health and wellness and definitely with anxiety.

Suffering from anxiety or panic can be temporary for many and long-lasting for others. Many people due to the global pandemic are experiencing it for the first time in their lives. Wherever you fall on that spectrum, you may find that you feel most comfortable using natural methods as your first line of defense against these feelings. Good luck on your journey and don’t forget to believe in yourself, we can do hard things. Namaste.