7 natural ways to help reduce anxiety

Anxiety disorders affect approximately 40 million adults 18+ according to National Institute of Mental Health. Symptoms are more pronounced than acute stress and last longer (at least 6 months).

Everyone has experienced acute stress or nervousness in their life. We have all been nervous for a first date or giving a presentation at work. With anxiety, the feeling doesn't dissipate AFTER the date, first day at work, public speaking, etc etc. Anxiety feels like constantly being on edge, nervous, unable to relax, jittery. I once heard it said that depression is the belief that the bad thing already happened and anxiety is the fear of something bad about to happen. 

When people tell someone with anxiety to "snap out of it"; they can't! Anxiety symptoms aren't a matter of rising to the occasion and putting on your big boy pants to face the world...

There are 6 classifications of anxiety: panic disorder, obsessive compulsive, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, specific phobias, and post traumatic stress disorder. I will write more about the classifications in a later post.

More on Anxiety here and here. 

Treatment

Most scientifically proven method of treatment for anxiety disorder is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with or without medication. Whether or not you may benefit from anti- anxiety medication is a conversation to have with a medical doctor. However, I can say that CBT teaches the tools needed for day to day functioning. My first advice to anyone struggling with anxiety is to first see a CBT therapist. 

Other things that can help..

•  Vitamin b12 and Omega 3--There is some evidence that Vit b12 and Omega 3 can help ease mild anxiety
• Sunlight--This one is a no brainer! Sunlight produces Vitamin D which we need for our physical and mental health. Also, fresh air is just overall good for your health!
• Yoga
• Working out- Endorphins! 
• Lavender Oils--Lavender oil has been used for centuries to relax. Put a drop of lavender oil in your bath or into a candle! 
• Meditation/Deep breathing-- Deep breathing will lower your heart rate and send a message to your body to relax. A technique called Progressive Muscle Relaxation suggests tightening parts of your body and then relaxing: the technique teaches you to relax on demand. 
• Chamomile Tea--Chamomile has a relaxing affect.