7 natural ways to deal with anxiety and stress.

Sometimes, it’s a job situation or relationship drama that add stress or anxiety to our lives. Other times, it’s just the way people are wired. There are multiple kinds of anxiety and stress disorders. One research body found that 40 million people in the U.S. (nearly 20%) have a diagnosable anxiety disorder. Globally, 1 in 13 people suffer from anxiety. 

Whether you’re “prone to it” or not, everyone deals with stress and anxiety at some point. It can come and go, or it can stay. When stress lingers, or anxiety grips you on the daily, how do you cope? There are medication options for people who deal with ongoing or chronic mental health issues. More and more, though, people are choosing natural alternatives. When you want to go that route, here are seven of your best options for dealing with anxiety and stress in a natural way.

(Note: these are friendly recommendations. You should only follow medical advice that you receive from your doctor.)

 

Exercise to Deal with Anxiety and Stress

In some medical circles, exercise has proven to be so effective in treating mental health issues that doctors issue prescriptions for it. Whether or not the doctor tells you to, exercise is a great way to relieve stress and anxiety. You can walk, spring, jump rope, zumba, yoga or whatever you like: just get moving. Exercise can actually reduce fatigue and make you feel more alert. 

Here are some examples of the kinds of movements that help combat anxiety and stress:

• Walking or jogging for 30 minutes a day
• Bike or spin for 30 minutes a day
• Jump rope for 10-15 minutes a day
• Stretch for 15-30 minutes a day
• Attend an exercise class that you enjoy

Experts recommend that you enjoy small, daily doses of exercise if possible. Building movement into your routine will help improve your mindset.

 

Relaxation Techniques to Deal with Anxiety and Stress

Many people who deal with anxiety and stress in natural ways to turn to relaxation practices. These are more than a few deep breaths. Relaxation practices are intentional and become part of your daily routine. There are many ways that people practice being relaxed. According to Harvard Health, some of these include:

• Breathing patterns: long, slow breaths or any intentional breathing patterns are a powerful tool to manage stress.
• Body consciousness: bringing attention to the places in your body where you hold onto tension is key to managing stress.
• Imagination: focus and peace of mind go hand-in-hand as you practice imagery, essentially visualizing positive, happy places and events.
• Mindfulness: a form of meditation, mindfulness allows you to bring attention to the present moment and rest in a place of acceptance.
• Yoga: yoga and other breath-based physical practices are very popular for their ability to reduce stress.

 

Aromatherapy for Anxiety and Stress

Aromatherapy is an increasingly popular solution for naturally dealing with anxiety and stress. Utilized globally for its comforting effects, aromatherapy can be enjoyed in several different ways. Whether it is diffused or rubbed on the body, essential oils are the primary source of aromatherapy. Less commonly, people may burn incense. 

Essential oils have become so mainstream that the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health explains that they are a valuable alternative treatment option. They explain that essential oils have very few side effects and can be used alongside massage, acupuncture and other alternative or comforting treatments.

Some essential oils you may use to alleviate anxiety or stress are:

• Lavender
• Bergamot
• Grapefruit
• Ylang Ylang
• Clary Sage

 

Cannabidiol Oil (CBD) for Anxiety and Stress

CBD is an increasingly popular option to deal with feelings of anxiety and stress. CBD is made from cannabis. CBD is not marijuana—it doesn’t get you high—instead, it can reduce the physical effects of stress and anxiety. One study, published by the National Institute of Health, found that CBD reduced the fear response in volunteers with both PTSD and other anxiety disorders.

Download our free eBook for more info on how CBD can help you.

 

Herbal Supplements for Anxiety and Stress

Since ancient times, herbs have been used for mental health issues. Before they were an “alternative” to traditional medicine, plant-based solutions were the only medicine available. Still popular in some cultures—and increasingly popular in the west—some people find relief from anxiety and stress through herbal remedies. Some popular herbs to treat anxiety and stress are:

• Chamomile
• Lavender
• Lemon balm
• Rhodiola
• Passionflower
• St. John’s wort

Many people like the fact that these herbs can be consumed in teas, powders or capsules. There are a variety of options that can be found at online retailers or in a health food store.

 

Diet for Anxiety and Stress

If you are what you eat, what you eat may be adding to your stress! Experts at the Mayo Clinic explain that nutrition is a relevant aspect of anxiety. If your diet makes a difference, consider eliminating the junk and adding in more of the good stuff. This doesn’t mean you have to completely change everything you eat, but there are some trade-offs or additions that could help your state of mind. When you can, choose:

• Lean proteins at breakfast
• Complex carbs (less white bread and sugary drinks)
• Limit alcohol (which is also a depressant)
• Eat good fats, like omega-3s
• Drink water

These may feel straightforward, but think back over the last few days: did you regularly eat balanced meals? Even small adjustments in your diet could help symptoms of anxiety and stress.

 

Meditation for Anxiety and Stress

Meditation is an element that combines both physical and mental activities to help relieve stress and anxiety. Beyond breathing exercises or relaxation practices, meditation is a focused activity that has been tested in clinical studies. It has proven effective in reducing the symptoms of anxiety, depression and even pain. Here are some things to research if you are interested in developing your own meditation practices:

• Transcendental meditation
• Binaural meditation
• Spiritual meditation
• Religious meditation

Meditation is often used in conjunction with movement therapies, like yoga. They can, however, be practiced separately. Both are effective in offsetting chronic stress and anxiety.

 

The Best CBD Oil for Anxiety and Stress

Dealing with anxiety and stress will require you to tune in to what works best for you. Some or all of these are worth a shot. If you often feel stressed and anxious, you know that you need relief. At Dollar a Day CBD, our customers use our product to help them feel better. Our easy subscription service allows you to get your daily dose to manage any physical or mental issues you may be experiencing. Use code 10OFF at checkout to get $10 off your first order!

 

The Best Online Resource For Handling Stress

If you're looking for more information on how to handle your stress we highly recommend checking out the "Guide to A Stress-Free Day" by Groom+Style, follow this link to read the guide groomandstyle.com/guide-stress-free-day