July 28, 2021
Everyone experiences anxiety; however, feelings of intense fear and distress can be overwhelming for some and prevent us from doing everyday things. Anxiety in the past has interfered with my way of life and caused me a great amount of stress. Although I have found a great deal of relief using these natural remedies, it may not be enough for some so please seek the advice of a medical professional if you are experiencing symptoms of severe anxiety.
4 Natural Ways to Combat Anxiety
Nutrition
This is the first step I took in healing my anxiety. Nutrition plays such a crucial role in how we feel mentally, physically, and emotionally. My focus was on healing my gut since a large percentage of serotonin receptors are found in the lining of the gut. Following the advice of a Naturopath, I eliminated foods that I was sensitive/allergic to from my diet. I chose a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits and removed processed foods that contained added sugars, sweeteners, chemicals, and dyes. Almost immediately after changing my nutrition habits, I found relief in my symptoms. It is important to eat a variety of foods to ensure that you get the proper nutrients your body needs to keep anxiety at bay.
Exercise
Exercise is another important step towards overall well-being and is key to our mental and physical health. From personal experience, I can sense my mood change in the middle of the workout. Everyone benefits from different forms of exercise; it doesn’t need to be gruelling and can be as simple as going for a walk in nature or dancing in your living room! Try to incorporate at least 30 mins a day or 4-5 days of 45mins- 1hour. Exercising releases endorphins and increases neurotransmitters which help better brain function.
Sleep
Prioritizing sleep is key. This hasn’t always been an easy feat for me but what a world of difference 8 hours of sleep can have! Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation to help put your mind at ease before bed.
Supplements
Along with having a healthy diet, there are some supplements that I have taken to aid in my anxiety reduction. One herb that I incorporate into my daily routine is Ashwagandha, an ancient Ayurvedic medicinal herb that helps lower cortisol, a hormone produced by your adrenal glands in response to stress. I also take magnesium before bed. Magnesium is known for its calming effects and relaxes the muscles in your body. I take Vitamin D in the fall and winter months whenever I am not getting enough from the sunlight, it plays an important role in mood regulation and brain health. There are many other herbs, vitamins and minerals that aid in anxiety reduction check with your Dr. or ND. to see which supplements may benefit you.
