Anxiety is crippling and can impact people of all ages. The feelings of anxiety and the resulting panic attacks can negatively impact a person’s life and prevent them from performing everyday activities.
Although there are prescription drug interventions that can help combat anxiety, not everyone takes them because of the unwanted side effects. Thankfully, there are more natural options that can curb your anxiety and help you feel calmer.
What Is Anxiety?
Everyone experiences some degree of anxiety, and it is a relatively normal reaction by the body. Doctors only consider an underlying disease when anxiety becomes excessive and interferes with a person’s day-to-day life. The following are some symptoms associated with anxiety.
- Nervousness, restlessness, and tenseness
- Increased heart rate
- Sense of impending danger
- Trouble sleeping
- Intrusive thoughts
- Difficulties controlling worry
- Hyperventilation
Four Routes You Can Take to Calm Your Anxiety
For the anxiety sufferer, seeking calm is critical. Explore the following four routes to see which one will be most effective at helping calm your anxiety symptoms.
1. CBD
CBD has been clinically proven to help people who suffer from anxiety feel calmer and more at ease. Scientists believe CBD works by altering serotonin levels in the body. Serotonin is a message-carrying chemical that interacts with nerves throughout the body. Some antidepressants work by increasing serotonin levels, so many people can get relief by taking CBD oil or products as an alternative.
2. Diaphragmatic Breathing
Breathing exercises can bring immediate calm to anxiety. To perform this breathing exercise, breathe in as deeply as possible, making your belly protrude. Hold your breath for a couple of seconds and slowly push the breath out by using your abdominal muscles. This breathing exercise calms the fight-or-flight response of your body.
3. Exercise
Going for a walk or performing simple stretches can help calm your mind and slow your heart rate during an anxiety attack. Exercise gets your mind off of your feelings and enables you to focus. Stretches can reduce the tension in your muscles and help you feel more relaxed so your body naturally begins to calm.
4. Listen to Music
Many people have found listening to music an effective tool to combat anxiety. Playing music helps your brain relax. As you savor the experience, you can imagine yourself in another place and time, escaping the reality of your current anxious thoughts.
Other Ways to Combat Anxiety
If anxiety is becoming a consistent problem, you should see your doctor to determine if there is a medical cause. Some health conditions can cause anxiety, including thyroid disorders and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Your doctor can help you choose the best treatment to combat your symptoms and allow you to live more effectively.
Although anxiety can be crippling, there are many natural ways to approach relief. There is no reason for you to suffer alone. CBD is especially beneficial for many people who suffer from mild to moderate anxiety. CBD offers a calming approach to anxiety disorders without the side effects of many prescription drugs.
