Among all mental health disorders, anxiety takes the crown for being the most widespread one, affecting roughly 18% of the population. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, about 40 million people in the US suffer from anxiety.
In medical circles, anxiety disorders include a few different conditions that may also occur at the same time. Mental illnesses under the umbrella of anxiety include generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, OCD, and more. The most common symptoms are nervousness, irritability, tiredness, feelings of panic or fear, and stomach problems.
However, despite the large number of people affected by anxiety, many don’t seek any treatment. We tend to downplay the seriousness of anxiety and neglect our mental health in the process. Moreover, many of us want to stay clear of heavy (and pricey) drugs.
But fear not, because if you suffer from anxiety or depression, you don’t have to resort to potentially dangerous medicines. Instead, we have prepared a list of natural remedies you can safely try at home. They can help you feel better without any side effects.
EFT
Emotional Freedom Technique is a quick and easy form of self-therapy we can apply whenever we feel anxious. This technique is still being studied, but it has already shown that it can help treat the symptoms of anxiety.
Also known as tapping, this technique requires us to tap several pressure points on our bodies gently. Combined with a little meditation, this exercise helps relieve stress and tension. EFT can help you calm down and focus, no matter how mild or severe the episode you’re having is. You can do it to yourself anytime, anywhere, as long as you learn the sequence.
Sleep
As simple as it sounds, getting a good night’s rest is great for alleviating anxiety. Many studies have shown that when we’re tired or sleep-deprived, we are more prone to experiencing panic or anxiety. On the contrary, when we are well-rested, our mood and overall health are better, which may help us prevent an anxiety episode or panic attack.
Play with animals
Whether it’s cats, dogs, or even horses, pets can significantly improve our mental health. Socialising with our furry friends helps release happy hormones, which in turn make us feel better. Moreover, playing with pets also leads to a lower risk of heart disease and depression.
Try CBD products
CBD is an oil found in marijuana and hemp plants. It has zero psychoactive properties, so it cannot make you high. However, it does have a soothing, anti-inflammatory effect that can help treat anxiety.
What’s more, thanks to the growth of the CBD industry, we have a ton of products to choose from. CBD gummies and other edibles are fun, the oil feels therapeutic, and a CBD spray is perfect for emergencies.
Work out
Exercise is one of the most versatile remedies available to us. It helps prevent cardiovascular diseases, keeps us in shape, and has mood-boosting properties.
Now, we’re not saying you should start going for five-mile runs every morning, though that’s also fine. But simply climbing the stairs to your office, apartment, or going for short walks can make a tremendous difference in the way you feel.
Meditate
We know that this tip won’t surprise anyone. Generally speaking, anything that can help you calm down and focus is good against anxiety.
There are quite a few resources on how to meditate correctly, with some pretty specific methods here and there. But if you don’t want to bother with those, you don’t have to. Merely sitting still for ten minutes per day and taking deep breaths is enough.
Try NSA
Network Spinal Analysis (NSA) is a technique similar to EFT. However, we cannot do NSA to ourselves. The pressure points that NSA taps are on and around your spine, so they’re not easily accessible. Instead, you have to seek out a licensed chiropractor.
With repeated use, NSA is supposed to improve the health of your nervous system. According to studies on NSA, the technique helps patients feel better both physically and mentally, which makes it an excellent fit for those with anxiety.
James Wallace has been an advocate for mental health awareness for years. He holds a master’s degree in counselling from the University of Edinburgh.
