The Best Ways Anxiety Can be Cured

Anxiety can be cured, even though it sometimes doesn't feel like it.

Mental health has become one of the most important issues we see in the media today. It goes without saying that, as humans, we all need a little support and encouragement from time to time. One of the most popular conditions people suffer with is anxiety. It seems like we never hear the word "depression" without the word "anxiety." So… what exactly is anxiety and why do so many people suffer from it? 

Anxiety is "a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome," according to the Oxford Dictionary. This feeling can be milder, causing you to have this constant low-key worry or it can be so intense that it spins you into a full-blown panic attack.

Unfortunately, many people deal with this condition on a daily basis. It can develop as a reaction to different stressors, like an impending deadline at work, an upcoming wedding, or a dinner date with your significant other’s parents. Either way, it shows up at any time and it can completely interrupt your day and in some cases, your life.

Anxiety can be cured! There are medical interventions you can use, as well as natural ways to bring yourself back to a relaxed state.

Sleep 

Getting enough sleep is very important. But what you may not know is that you can combat anxiety with a short nap! How comforting is that? Yes, when you wake up your life will still be there. Whatever situation you left behind will still be there but perhaps you will wake up with a fresh mind and be able to tackle things with a level head.

Going outside and moving around

It’s no secret that exercise helps release “happy” chemicals in the brain. Getting a good sweat session will help you get your mind into a zen state and get you into better shape - double the goal! You can turn almost anything active into a workout. So get out and dance, run, or pump some iron in the gym (your current DIY home gym works just as well!). Try to get outdoors or in the sunlight. The fresh air and sun will help lift your spirits.

Breathwork

Breathing helps control your heart rate and keep you from hyperventilating as many do in a panic attack. Deep breathing is a skill, believe it or not, and you can learn how to do it properly. Try this exercise: inhale for 6 seconds and exhale for 6 seconds. Do this for as long as you need to but make sure you do it at least 5 times.

Food and friends

A good meal can go a long way. We know you may be thinking, “Oh yeah, comfort food is the way to go, bring on the macaroni and cheese.” Not so fast! It's actually better to fill up with a nutritious balanced meal. A good hearty vegetable or chicken soup will hit the spot. Share your meal with a friend if you can - even if it's virtual! The company may really help. Try to stay away from the caffeine (yes, that means coffee, but plenty of other beverages have it, too), as caffeine will speed up your heart rate and has a good chance of adding to your anxiety. You may also want to keep away from alcohol, depending on how that typically affects you.

Aroma(therapy)

Essential oils like bergamot, lavender, chamomile, or ylang-ylang are key. There are a few more you can use like rose, but the ones listed above are the classics. They calm your anxiety and help you to relax so you can take on whatever it is you are facing. Put on your aromatherapy diffuser and journal, or get a massage at the same time. This kind of therapy helps you relax and work out any pent up emotions you may be feeling. The writing allows you to get it out on paper and a pressure point massage will release the emotions through touch.

Music, meditation, and yoga

It may sound like 3 separate things, but we're aiming for doing this together. This is quite possibly our favorite way to not only cope with anxiety but also start the day. The yoga and meditation playlists you can find on Spotify or YouTube will help relax and slow your mind down. The yoga poses you do have different benefits that can center and relax you. Poses like cat, cow, legs-up-the-wall, standing forward bend, and bridge pose. We recommend finding an anti-anxiety flow you can follow along to and finish it off with meditation in Savasana. Once you get to the final pose (Savasana) breathe normally and meditate on something that you are grateful for. 

Remember, anxiety can be cured, and we hope these tips help mitigate any anxiety you might be feeling and we wish you peaceful relaxation.