Natural Remedies for Anxiety Relief

We all experience bouts of anxiety at some point or another. In fact, anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health disorders in the United States.¹ When it feels like an anxiety attack may occur or panic comes creeping in, there is something you can do.

How to Relieve Anxiety Naturally

As a Florida behavioral health center, we know that mental health problems like anxiety can have a severe impact on a person’s life, but there are some natural remedies for anxiety relief that you can try.

Meditation

Of all of the natural ways to relieve anxiety, meditation is one of the more popular options. Anxiety can often create racing, erratic, and irrational thought patterns, but meditation promotes mindfulness and focus. One study found that mindfulness meditation programs helped decreased symptoms of anxiety in people with a generalized anxiety disorder.²

Journaling

For some people, getting their anxious thoughts down on paper can help relieve the hold that their anxiety has on them. Journaling is a great way to organize these anxiety-filled thoughts. A study on expressive writing found that this practice can help significantly reduce anxiety.³

Herbal Teas & Supplements

Some people swear by the power of these substances for a variety of health benefits, including the ability to decrease anxiety. While the scientific evidence to support these claims is still lacking, it is worth trying. There are several herbal options out there and some may work for you more than others.

Exercise

Not only is exercise good for your physical health, but it can also be good for your mental health. Some research suggests that regular exercise can decrease anxiety, especially if it was triggered by stress.⁴ The next time you start to feel your anxiety levels rising, try going for a brisk walk or partaking in another physical activity.

Avoid drugs and alcohol

Contrary to what some people may believe, drugs and alcohol are not natural remedies for anxiety relief. While alcohol may “take the edge off,” it can actually make your anxiety worse. It is also not uncommon for people to experience a bad trip that leaves them feeling paranoid and anxious. While these substances may provide temporary relief, when using them to cope with anxiety becomes habitual, a substance abuse problem can occur, which in turn can make mental health worse. If someone with anxiety comes to rely on these substances, they may require dual diagnosis treatment.

When Natural Anxiety Relievers Don’t Work

These anxiety remedies may not be effective for everyone. Especially for those with severe or chronic anxiety disorders, these natural anxiety remedies may not be sufficient alone. When this is the case, it is okay to ask for professional help. Our anxiety disorder treatment in West Palm works with people on how best to manage their anxiety so that they can keep it from controlling their life.

If you or someone you love is struggling with a mental health disorder or substance abuse problem, it is okay to ask for help. Call us today at 561-220-3981 to learn more about us at Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches and our many treatment programs.

Sources:

1. Anxiety & Depression Association of America – Facts & Statistics
2. Harvard Health – Mindfulness meditation may ease anxiety, mental stress
3. NCBI – Effects of Expressive Writing on Psychological and Physical Well-Being
4. Kava Guides – Kava for Anxiety: What Does the Science Say?
5. Anxiety & Depression Association of America – Exercise for Stress & Anxiety