Modern life is getting more and more challenging for humans to handle. The incoming pressure of everything from the media to our jobs and social lives can be hard. As such, many of us find ourselves struggling to keep up with it all. Anxiety is one of the most common conditions that people suffer from.
While medications are available that can help soothe our nerves, many of these medications are not a long-term solution. They can be very addictive and cause more harm than good in the big picture. Therefore, a natural solution is ideal for reducing anxiety. Take control of your anxiety by trying the following natural solutions. In 5 ways, we discuss how to reduce anxiety naturally.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is something that many people have heard of, yet fewer of us know what it means. The idea is to stay entirely present no matter what you’re doing. Whether playing the piano or washing the dishes, stay fully aware of everything happening around you.
When you experience total awareness, you will be overcome by a sense of calm tolerance. You can think of it as a form of meditation, although it takes place while doing something else. This can help you navigate the bustling activities of day-to-day modern life.
The next time you do something, experience the real moment from the inside out. Take deep breaths and focus your attention on the task at hand. Let any thoughts you have passed through your mind, and don’t judge; observe. This is the basic process of practicing mindfulness and can significantly reduce your anxiety.
Avoid alcohol, which helps reduce anxiety.
Many people turn to alcohol as a way to take the edge off of stress. After all, initially, you feel woozy and don’t have a care in the world. However, often your anxiety can come back tenfold the next day. Many studies suggest a significant link between alcohol consumption and anxiety disorder. Not to mention alcohol is a depressant which can even worsen your feelings of worry.
Eat a Balanced Diet
They say you are what you eat, so ask yourself what you eat if you feel stressed out. If you’re eating junk food full of high saturated fats and sugar, that won’t do you much good. Eat plenty of lean proteins, raw fruits, and vegetables, and you’ll notice a difference in your mood.
Exercise
Regularly exercising does so much more than just keeping your body in shape. It also has mental benefits. Studies show that people who exercise for at least 30 minutes a day are much less susceptible to anxiety. Not only does exercise distract us from our worries, but it also gets your heart rate up, which can completely alter your brain’s chemistry.
When your heart rate is up, your brain releases chemicals like serotonin, which makes us happy and even euphoric. If you’ve never worked out much before, diving straight into an intense exercise program can be a lot. So, you might want to start gradually with something low-impact, like swimming or yoga.
Eventually, you can work up something more intensive, like running or interval training. The higher your heart rate increases, the more you’ll reap the anti-anxiety benefits.
Connect with Others
Social support can be a powerful tool in reducing anxiety. Connecting with others can provide a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation. Make time for friends and family and consider joining a support group or seeking professional counseling.