6 Ways To Ease Anxiety & Stress
We all experience anxiety and stress at different times in our lives, whether it’s due to work, relationships, grief or an unexpected setback. Each of us will have different coping strategies; it’s just all about figuring out what works for you. For those keen to find some new effective techniques to cope with anxiety, here are six workable suggestions.
1 .St.John’s Wort
St.John’s Wort is a yellow-flowered plant which has been popular in herbal therapy for many years. You can purchase it in the form of pill supplements or teas. Some studies have indicated that St.John’s Wort is effective in treating cases of both anxiety and depression. Those who find themselves feeling anxious could well find some relief in this herbal remedy. It’s worth noting that St.John’s Wort can cause adverse reactions within other forms of medication. If you are currently taking any pharmaceutical drugs, you’ll need to check with your doctor beforehand.
2. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is an age-old anxiety reduction practice, during times of stress, essential oils can help to ease the tension. Oils like lavender, rose, lemon balm and peppermint have all been associated with easing anxiety. When you find yourself needing to calm down, take yourself to a quiet place and dab essential oil onto a cloth. Lay down, breathe deeply and inhale the scent, keep breathing deeply and inhaling for several minutes. Repeat this cycle until you feel yourself relaxing. Another great oil for anxiety is CBD oil, made from marijuana plants. CBD oil is made from just one compound of marijuana, so it doesn’t produce the ‘high’ effect, only the effect of calmness and relaxation. Unlike other oils, CBD oil is safe to ingest as well as inhale. You can also Buy CBD gummies to snack on (which is a little more fun)!
3. Three-Part Breath
Deep breathing is crucial to combating the effects of anxiety. One particularly effective breathing technique for anxiety is a technique called ‘Three-Part Breath’, which is used in yoga classes. The three parts refer to the abdomen, the diaphragm and the chest. To start off, you have to inhale so that you completely fill your lungs; you should be breathing into your upper chest, stomach and rib cage. Next, you have to exhale the breath completely. The idea is that you learn to breathe fully, as opposed to shallow breathing which restricts oxygen from our blood vessels. It can be helpful to find a yoga or meditation class to show you how to get started on this breathing technique and others.
4. Guided Imagery
Guided imagery refers to the practice of sitting in silence, closing your eyes and visualizing yourself in a calming place. You might imagine yourself walking through a forest listening to birds sing and watching the clouds drift overhead. Perhaps swimming in a waterfall, or running sand through your fingers on a beach. The idea is to imagine you are a beautiful place that you are relaxed and at peace. The intention is to clear your mind of everything else. There are guided imagery apps available where a recorded voice leads you through these practices. Apps like Headspace offer guided imagery along with other meditation content. Meditation is an excellent way to relax, so perhaps make the practice one of your New Year’s resolutions.
5. Write it out
Generally, we feel anxious and stressed due to a problem or several problems within our lives. Whether these are small issues or deeper things, writing down your feelings can help. When we write things down, we feel a release. Often we also come to realisations that we didn’t have before. These realisations can bring us hope and clarity during difficult times. Writing things down can help us to work things out in our own headspace. After doing so, it’s often easier to find the courage to ask for help if we need it.
6. Detox & rest
When you’re feeling anxious and stressed, things like alcohol, bad foods and caffeine can tend to make you feel worse. To help yourself feel better faster, try a full body detox. Ditch the bad stuff, drink plenty of water, herbal tea and fresh juices full of nutrients. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and foods that are rich with vitamins. When you feel stressed, your immune system can suffer, so it’s vital to keep your vitamin levels up. Indulge in a long sleep, book an impromptu day off work and allow yourself to really rest and relax.
Simple tips like this can help one to feel calm during occasional times of stress. If your stress levels get out of hand, it may be time to get further help. Those suffering from anxiety long-term would be well advised to see a doctor for further advice.