Anxiety can be a problem that can start out very small, and quickly escalate to something more major. We can help you over come anxiety and stay that way. Call us 724-934-8446 to set up an appointment. Before then, here are some natural ways to fight anxiety.
1. Lavender
Lavender essential oil can be used for aromatherapy to positive effect. One study in 2007 found that lavender aromatherapy reduced serum cortisol – a component in the body’s response to stress. Another found lavender massage can even lower systolic pressure the top blood pressure number that’s associated with stress. Meanwhile, the University of Maryland Medical Center describes a study that found massage with essential oils, particularly lavender, may result in improved sleep quality, more stable mood, better concentration, and reduced anxiety.
2. Exercise
Nobody likes to be told to exercise, but if anxiety is the alternative, perhaps it’s not such a bad idea. Exercise reduces the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol, while stimulating the production of endorphins. It also leads to a boost in levels of the serotonergic system, which also may help to decrease anxiety and improve your mood. Yoga has been shown to work specifically for anxiety; but other activities will help as well. Find something you enjoy – it’s really the only guarantee you’ll keep it up – and work up to 30 minutes a day minimum, five times a week.
3. Laughter
When your rife with anxiety laughter may seem like a joke, but even just pretendguffawing can help. Clinical psychologist Karen Lynn Cassiday, PhD, from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America says, “Even if you do a fake laugh, you get an instant hit of dopamine.” If laughing is just too much of a stretch, look for a laugh app for your phone – seriously, there are such things. And perhaps merely the search alone will help – one study found that just the anticipation of mirthful laughter reduces the stress hormone cortisol, which increases with anxiety.
4. Epsom salt bath
It’s hard to hold on to every ounce of anxiety when you’re submerged in a bathtub; it’s relaxing by nature, and increasing your body temperature has been shown to help regulate mood and anxiety. Making it an Epsom salt bath can help even more – the magnesium sulfate in the salts has been shown to calm anxiety and lower blood pressure. Rosemary Waring, from the School of Biosciences at the University of Birmingham, tells the Wall Street Journal that soaking in an Epsom salt bath releases magnesium ions that are absorbed by the skin, which helps with pain and inflammation. The sulfate helps too; getting extra sulfate into the system lessens discomfort from sprains, strains, and other pains – while that may not be addressing anxiety per se, it can help with anxiety-induced aches and tension. Also, put some lavender essential oil in the bath to reap its soothing benefit as well.
5. Chamomile
Chamomile has been used as a traditional medicine for millennia to soothe anxiety; its efficacy possibly due to its inclusion of apigenin and luteolin, two chemicals that promote relaxation. And there have been several studies to conclude that chamomile supplements are more effective in relieving anxiety than placebo. In studies, 400 milligrams to 1,600 milligrams of chamomile were administered daily in capsule form; but at home you can drink chamomile tea. WebMD notes that people commonly drink one to four cups daily for anxiety.