Feeling Anxious

Stress comes from every single aspect of our lives, and we’re often the ones causing it to begin with. We get upset at the office, at the unfair treatment in a relationship, we procrastinate only to have a slew of responsibilities to take care of, we mourn the loss of a loved one, we experience daily annoyances – stress can range from mild to severe, and in most situations, it’s manageable. Sometimes, however, stress can lead to more severe reactions the likes of anxiety attacks, insomnia, or depression, which should never go untreated.

However, you can talk to your doctor and look into natural options that could help you treat the symptoms of anxiety and restore health and balance into your life. Among numerous options at your disposal, here are several that come with a promise to act quickly and deliver some relief almost immediately. Combine them with other stress-relieving techniques for a long-term effect, and you’ll soon find the perfect anxiety-battling strategy for yourself.

Spend time with your pet

Whether you’re a cat person, a dog person, or a lover of all creatures (including the creepy crawlies the likes of snakes), you can rely on your fuzzy friend to help you cope with stress and reduce anxiety. After all, therapy dogs and other animals have been used precisely for this purpose, to battle the effects of PTSD, depression, and a wide range of mental health issues. If you already have a canine companion or a purring pal at home, chances are, a few minutes of cuddles could provide immediate relief.

What happens in your brain when you cuddle with your pet is simple but powerful. Your stress hormone levels plummet while your happy hormone oxytocin skyrockets, giving you that much-needed feeling of comfort, serenity, and calm. 

Sip some valerian tea.

Ancient Greeks and Romans alike used this herb to help them fall asleep and reduce stress's effects on their minds and bodies. Valerian is a perennial plant that has been used for ages, but you need to be careful with dosage and see if this particular remedy is suitable for you. For example, it’s not recommended for pregnant women or kids under the age of three simply because of a lack of research in the area.

Although we still have much to learn about this plant, its root increases certain neurotransmitters in the brain known as GABA (short for gamma-aminobutyric acid), which is responsible for reducing the feeling of anxiety. Find a trustworthy tea blend, such as Traditional Medicinals, that gives you the exact dosage for consumption to control how strong your tea will be. If this brew is too strong for you, other herbal teas, such as peppermint or chamomile, can also relieve you. 

Have you tried CBD?

Ever since its legalization in numerous different countries, CBD has gained even more recognition for its calming properties, especially for those who are suffering from too much stress and anxiety. A non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plant, CBD has all the benefits of the plant without the negative side-effects that deter people from using it.

CBD comes in many different forms, and it’s important to find a reputable vendor such as Shango to make sure you can get only the top-quality selection of cannabinoid-rich products for reducing anxiety. They come in different forms, from delicious edibles all the way to topicals, so you can find the most convenient way to make the most of this potent plant and its many soothing benefits. 

Take a few moments to meditate

When you don’t have the time or the opportunity for making your cup of tea or chewing on a few CDB gummies, and you need to find a way to handle your anxiety better, you can try a different approach: meditation. Much like Valerian, meditation has been in practice and recognized as a way to reduce stress for thousands of years, and as such, it definitely deserves a spot in your anxiety-battling arsenal. It takes some time to find your ideal mantras and your most effective approach, but once you do, a few minutes is enough for it to take effect.

If you’re at a crowded place such as a restaurant or an office, you can use your earphones to play some soothing nature sounds, music, or your affirmations, practice breathing, and take a few moments to close your eyes and envision yourself in a calm place. This will give you immediate relief and help you find your bearings. 

Head outside for a jog

Or head to a gym for some cardio or lifting, or go to your martial arts class to blow off some steam, or simply play some music and dance your heart out. Exercise, as many have already discovered, is one of the most potent solutions to stress and anxiety.

When you get active and start elevating your heartbeat, your levels of endorphin rise, while cortisol becomes lower, giving your brain precisely what it needs to calm down. Plus, you’ll get tired, get rid of all that negative energy, and you’ll be able to improve your sleep quality as well.

Anxiety is a very prevalent issue among modern-day humans, and it deserves more attention every day. Use these tips to help yourself and to help others you know are struggling with anxiety, and you can slowly restore your well-being and enjoy your life to the fullest.