10 Natural Anxiety & Stress Management & Relief Remedies
Too much anxiety can disturb daily life. Before going to the doctor for anxiety, however, try the natural remedies listed below.
#1: Chamomile
The University of Pennsylvania Medical Center in Philadelphia conducted a study about the effects of chamomile in patients diagnosed with anxiety disorder, reports Health. A significant decrease of anxiety in patients who took chamomile supplements for eight weeks was noted.
Chamomile contains a compound named, Matricaria recutita, which binds the same brain receptors like drugs such as Valium.
#2: Omega-3s
An Israeli study found that fish oil, which contains Omega-3s, decreased anxiety in students getting ready for tests, reports Reader's Digest. Omega-3s can apparently lower stress chemicals such as adrenaline and cortisol, thereby decreasing symptoms of anxiety and stress. Some sources of Omega-3s are canned fatty fish, like tuna, as well as walnuts and flax seeds.
#3: Keep a Diary
How Stuff Works suggests keeping a diary of events, foods, or things that trigger anxiety, presumably so that these can be avoided.
#4: L-theanine
Mark Blumenthal from the American Botanical Council says that an amino acid, named L-theanine, can be found in green tea, reports Health. According to research, L-theanine can help calm a rising heart rate or blood pressure. However, Health notes that the person must drink many cups for the L-theanine in green tea to work.
#5: Lavender
Studies show that breathing in lavender can increase a person's energy while decreasing anxiety and systolic pressure, reports Reader's Digest. The report suggests spreading a few drops of lavender on a pillow, in a bath, or even on the skin to feel its effects.
#6: Talk about Your Anxiety
According to How Stuff Works, talking about the things that cause anxiety and stress can help relieve it.
#7: Lemon Balm
Health states that lemon balm has been used to reduce stress and anxiety since the Middle Ages. One study showed that lemon balm extracts made volunteers both calm and alert. However, Health warns that taking too much lemon balm can actually cause more anxiety, so take small doses only.
#8: 15 Minutes of Sunlight Daily
Reader's Digests states that exposure to sunlight can increase Vitamin D levels in the body, which can decrease both anxiety and depression symptoms.
#9: Give Your Mind a Break
Meditate or pray to keep the mind away from stressful thoughts, suggests How Stuff Works. Maybe even daydream a bit.
#10: Exercise
Drew Ramsey, MD, is an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital in Columbia University. According to Health, he says, "One of the major causes of anxiety is worrying about illness and health, and that dissipates when you are fit." He adds, "If you exercise on a regular basis, you'll have more self-esteem and feel healthier."
For more anxiety-reducing natural remedies, watch the video below.