Effective Natural Remedies for Anxiety Relief

While most people experience anxiety in their life at some point, it is still a very misunderstood health condition. When it comes to remedies for anxiety, medication is always an option, but there are also a number of natural remedies that have been increasing in popularity in recent years.

This article outlines some effective natural remedies for anxiety relief including talk therapy, conventional natural remedies, and some alternative methods as well.

What is Anxiety in the First Place?

When it comes to feelings of anxiety, it can be difficult to diagnose and address the problem because it has such a broad definition. The NHS describes anxiety as ‘a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe’ and it gives examples such as worrying about sitting an exam or having a medical test or job interview.

However, people experience anxiety in many different ways. For some people, there will be a sense of dread and worry about something bad happening. For others, anxiety will increase adrenaline and paranoia. While some people describe the world as slowing down, others feel like the world is speeding up.

When people are diagnosed with anxiety, they usually have a selection of symptoms which are understood to occur during mild and severe anxious episodes:

• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
• Feeling irritable, restless, and tense
• Nausea or abdominal pain
• Sweating, trembling, and shaking
• Nail biting
• Heart palpitations
• Trouble sleeping
• A sense of impending danger, panic, or doom

These symptoms of anxiety are not strict and different combinations can occur for different people. It is important to be aware of these symptoms and to seek professional advice if you believe you are experiencing them.

Conventional Remedies for Anxiety

Throughout history, there have been many different ways to tackle anxiety. Western societies have tended to focus more on therapy-based remedies than other cultures. This approach tends to fall into one of four categories.

1. Humanistic Therapy

Humanistic therapy involves the attempted remediation of a health problem and it usually follows a formal medical diagnosis. This type of therapy focuses on how your unique view of the world can both positively and negatively impact your thoughts and actions. Sometimes referred to as ‘talk therapy’, it places more emphasis on individual human nature.

2. Cognitive Therapy

While cognitive therapy is also a talking-based therapy option, it focuses more on changing the way you think as a way to help manage life’s problems. It is a very common option for anxiety relief but it is also used for a range of other mental and physical health issues.

3. Behaviour Therapy

Behaviour therapy is very similar to cognitive therapy except that it is focused more on actions than thoughts and feelings. It is sometimes referred to as preventative therapy as it attempts to tackle problems before they arise, leading to a happier day-to-day life.

4. Psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapies

Psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapies are slightly different to the other three as they focus on patients’ ‘inner world.’ Rather than looking at thoughts and behaviours, it considers how patients’ inner worlds can influence past and present relationships in both positive and negative ways. It is commonly used for issues like PTSD and neurodiversity.

Natural Remedies for Treating Anxiety

Especially in the last few decades, people have increasingly looked toward natural remedies when it comes to anxiety relief as opposed to traditional ‘talking therapy’ methods. Ironically, some of these like journalling and time with animals have been practised for centuries but they have only recently been linked to anxiety relief.

• Meditation: Meditation can be as simple as doing some calming breathing exercises, such as box breathing. First originating in the Vedic times in India, the advantage of this natural remedy in the modern world is that it is completely free and it can be done anywhere - on the bus, a break from work, while you wait, or in the comfort of your home.
• Journalling: This is an excellent way to relieve stress in a private setting. Writing gives you the time to think and this reflection can lead to anxiety relief regardless of when you do it. Some prefer to journal first thing in the morning and others prefer to save it as an end-of-day exercise.
• Herbal Supplements: Chamomile has long been linked with anxiety relief but the supplement market has recently expanded to include many types of herbal remedies. Magnesium and Ashwaganda are popular at the moment and they tend to be sold as small daily tablets and can be found online and in-store.
• Yoga: This natural remedy is very similar to meditation in that in can be done anywhere free of charge, but many choose to practise yoga in a class setting for the added community benefits. Yoga can be a great form of anxiety relief as it bridges the mental and the physical, both of which can be heavily impacted during periods of stress and anxiety. Many use yoga as a preventative measure, readying them for any future challenges.

Alternative Natural Remedies for Anxiety Relief

• Aromatherapy: When we think of our senses it can be easy to overlook the sense of smell, even though it has a profound and subconscious impact on the way we think. Essential oils and scented candles can be found in many different types of smells including lavender, orange, chamomile, lemon, rose, and many more.
• Cannabis Clinic: There are a number of specific clinics, such as Releaf, available to people experiencing increased anxiety, and they all have different approaches. This type of clinic has risen in popularity in recent years and there is evidence that it decreases stress, anxiety, and apprehension in everyday life. In a clinical setting, this practice can be controlled and guided in a safe environment.
• Acupuncture: Acupuncture began before 2,500 BCE in China and is still used to this day as a method to reduce anxiety and stress. It is also used to improve general health as it relieves pain, cures some diseases, and reduces inflammation. This makes it an ideal option for those who experience significant physical symptoms when it comes to anxiety.

Conclusion

Anxiety is common but often misunderstood. Thankfully, there are many natural remedies to help manage it. From talk therapy and herbal supplements to acupuncture and aromatherapy, there's something for everyone. Practices like meditation, journaling, and yoga can also offer significant relief. Embracing these remedies can boost mental well-being and lead to a more balanced, stress-free life. For severe anxiety, always seek professional advice to ensure safe treatment.