Managing Anxiety Naturally

Many women throughout the world are living with anxiety. It can vary in severity from very mild, to very severe and can be generalized or acute. If you are suffering from mild anxiety and are seeking alternatives to medications these tips may help. I am not a medical professional, just someone who has conquered my anxiety by using these methods. If anxiety is severely affecting your life, please seek professional assistance.

Nutrition is one of the most important ways you can combat anxiety. Do not smoke, or drink caffeine, and limit sugars. Eat a whole food diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruit, whole grains with little meat. Drink plenty of water. Exercise is key too, but for some women exercise can increase symptoms of anxiety. Try to get moderate exercise in the form of low impact walking, swimming, or yoga. Gentle, slow stretching has helped as well.

Meditation can help anxiety greatly. You don' have to sit in an empty room with your legs crossed chanting. Meditation can be something as simple as sitting in a comfortable place with a cup of tea, listening to soft music and letting your mind relax. Affirmations and mantras, or comfort phrases you repeat to yourself can help squelch anxious thoughts. Phrases such as; I am safe, all is well or I am peaceful, I am calm, I am safe repeated daily have been shown to improve mood and anxious feelings.

There are supplements that help anxiety, St. John's Wort is among the most popular though I haven't tried it myself. I prefer Valerian Root, or Bach's Rescue Remedy which are tinctures you take under your tongue during acute anxiety. For general anxiety, chamomile tea and Celestial Seasonings Tension Tamer tea really seems to help.

To calm racing thoughts in the evening, writing down concerns on a piece of paper helps. Sometimes the act of writing out fears or worries, then ripping them up is a powerful action that helps control anxiety.

My anxiety greatly diminished when I stopped watching the news. I figure if something is really important, someone will let me know! I believe surrounding oneself with bad news and depressing subjects has a big impact on mental health. Similarly, surrounding yourself with happy, beautiful things helps uplift and relieve anxiety.

Sometimes the over-stimulation of noise, people and worries can consume women with anxiety. In those times I retreat to a hot bath with lavender essential oil and one lone candle. I repeat my mantras and affirmations, I am safe, all is well, or, in this moment all is well. The warmth of the water soothes tense muscles and lavender is a known calming flower. The darkness helps ease the over-stimulation of lights and the silence calms an overabundance of thoughts.

Getting proper rest is so crucial to women with anxiety, In this busy world of go go go, don't underestimate the importance of a solid eight hours of sleep. It can make all the difference.

Other natural therapies include acupuncture, deep tissue massage, chiropractic work, and homeopathy.

If you feel your anxiety is interfering with your life, please seek out the advice of a naturopath or a holistic doctor. They can help you manage your anxiety professionally without medication to help you live your life to its fullest. You deserve it.