Vibrant health depends on balanced emotions and strong stress-management skills just as much as it does on smoothies and salmon. For some of us, it’s a healthy diet that’s the struggle – for others, its stress and finding ways to relieve anxiety naturally.  

We’ve been talking about some of the most popular pharmaceuticals out there and how we can help readers find non-drug related solutions to their wellness woes. Learning to manage anxiety and reduce stress takes more than just the list below, but it’s a good start. Don’t underestimate the power of these simple suggestions from functional medicine pro, Dr. Josh Axe – be honest with yourself and take a good look at how you’re doing on each point.. 

Sometimes inching through rush-hour traffic, studying for an important exam or preparing for a big presentation is all it takes to trigger a full-blown anxiety attack, setting off a slew of symptoms like restlessness, muscle pain, fatigue and headaches.

Aside from these short-term symptoms, anxiety can also take a real toll on other components of health. It can impair immune function, wreck libido, zap energy levels and may even be linked to the development of heart problems, respiratory issues and digestive disorders.

Conditions like panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder or PTSD can certainly play a role in the development of anxiety symptoms, but even external factors like work, school, personal relationships and financial issues can skyrocket stress levels and trigger anxiety.

Fortunately, by using a couple of natural treatments and adopting a few new healthy habits, you may be able to help relieve symptoms and keep your anxiety under control — no pharmaceuticals required.

Here are a few simple remedies that can cut back on stress and ease your anxiety:

Clean Up Your Diet | What you put on your plate can have a big effect on just about every aspect of health — including your anxiety. Skipping the sugary junk and getting in a few servings of anti-inflammatory whole foods, like fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds, can maximize neurotransmitter synthesis to boost brain health, balance your mood and minimize anxiety. Learn how to clean up your diet here.

Cut Back on Caffeine | While the occasional cup of morning joe is totally fine, throwing back a few cups a day can cause a caffeine overdose, contributing to symptoms like restlessness, jitters, heart palpitations and, of course, anxiety. Keep your caffeine intake in check by limiting your intake of energy drinks, soda and coffee. Alternatively, opt for decaf or swap the coffee for a soothing cup of black or green tea every once in a while instead.

Try Aromatherapy | Just a few drops of essential oils applied directly to the skin, sprinkled into a warm bath or added to a diffuser can provide powerful, natural relief from anxiety. If you’re just getting started, give lavender oil and Roman chamomile a try. Both are commonly used to calm nerves, promote relaxation and ease symptoms of anxiety, quickly and effectively.

Hit the Gym | The benefits of regular exercise extend way beyond your waistline; in fact, studies show that physical activity can help combat stress and anxiety and even alter levels of important neurotransmitters in your brain. Practicing exercises that promote deep breathing like yoga and tai chi may be especially effective, but other types of activity like walking, running and dancing can have anxiety-busting benefits as well.

Set a Sleep Schedule | Between balancing work, school, family and friends, most of our schedules are jam-packed to the point that getting enough sleep every night can quickly take a backseat. However, a lack of sleep has been shown to directly impact regions of the brain involved in emotional processing and may contribute to anxiety. Setting a strict sleep schedule to ensure you’re getting in at least seven to nine hours per night can help reduce stress, decrease anxiety and stabilize your mood.

Meditate | If you’re feeling super stressed and anxious, one of the best things you can do for your health is to simply take a moment to meditate. Meditation helps reduce levels of stress hormones and can even boost productivity, enhance sleep quality, and decrease symptoms of anxiety. Start with just five to ten minutes per day and slowly work your way up; guided meditation is a great option if you’re a beginner.

Dive deep and explore all our content on stress + anxiety. This supplement is much discussed. 

The Chalkboard Mag and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. 
All material on The Chalkboard Mag is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program.