3 Natural Ways to Relieve Anxiety

We all deal with anxiety from time to time. It can be triggered by a major life event (like a job change, move or loss of a loved one), a health crisis, and even by the day-to-day stressors of our modern world. We live in a time where we are constantly connected and this can lead to a rise in anxious feelings.

Although it may not always feel like it, you are not alone in feeling anxiety. It is a natural part of being human. For some of us, we’re especially sensitive and therefore, more prone to feeling anxious. When you are constantly picking up on the noises, notifications, and nuances around you, it can be a challenge to keep anxiety at bay.

Personally, I have been feeling increased anxiety in the past few months—so I want to share some tips and methods I’ve tried to help reduce anxious thoughts and feelings.

Here are my three tips for reducing anxiety naturally:

Meditation
I’ve been using the Insight Timer app for over a year. Meditation has been a great way to quiet my mind and bring me back to my center. I’ve noticed a difference in my sleep and how relaxed I feel during the day. One other benefit of meditation, aside from alleviating anxiety, is increased focus. On the days I meditate, I’m able to focus more clearly and get more done.

I also practice a lot of different breathing techniques which help as well. They say that if your body is relaxed, your mind follows suit and I have definitely found that to be true.

Walking in nature
Being outside in nature is the best medicine for anxiety. Studies have proven that being in nature increases activity in parts of the brain responsible for empathy and love. I like to go for a hike with my dog—and my thoughts always feels more clear when I’m done.

Talk it out
I would honestly say this has been my #1 anxiety reducing technique. There is just nothing like talking through exactly what you are feeling anxious about. I utilize both my friends and a professional therapist.

There is a great metaphor that my therapist gave to me recently about anxiety. She said we have a “fire alarm” in our brain that goes off when it senses there is a threat. But often, that fire alarm goes off due to “bacon smoke” and not real smoke. Meaning your brain has created a problem that isn’t really a threat. And similar to when the fire alarm goes off with bacon smoke, all you have to do is, fan out the smoke flames and open a window for some fresh air.

I hope you’ll find these tips helpful! I also really loved this article about natural anxiety reducing remedies.  
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I’ve included some resources below. These are products I’ve been using that have been helpful in my own journey with alleviating anxiety:

Himalayan Salt Lamp
B Complex Vitamin
Lavender Essential Oil

I’d love to hear what you do to stay calm and relieve stress and worries in your own life. Let me know in the comments below!