Anxiety is a state of excessive worrying, where you may feel agitated, restless, irritable, and on edge. This mental health disorder can result in avoiding social situations, having panic attacks, and having trouble falling asleep. Today, with the COVID-19 pandemic shutting off economies, infecting millions, and forcing people to follow stay-at-home orders and quarantine, anxiety levels for some can be at an all-time high.
Whether you have chronic anxiety or suffering from random bouts of anxiety, there are plenty of natural remedies that can help ease symptoms and help you feel calm and relaxed. Take a look at our top five natural remedies for anxiety below.
1. CBD
Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a common natural remedy for combatting the symptoms that come with stress, anxiety, and depression. Derived from the marijuana plant, CBD has a natural calming effect without any psychoactive elements that result in a high. This makes CBD extremely safe to use and beneficial for your overall health.
If you’re following CDC guidelines for staying at home, you may begin to feel more anxious. If this is true for you, try a CBD gummy, capsule, or tincture. In no time, you’ll feel calmer and at ease.
2. Adopt a pet
Pets are the perfect companion to have by your side when you’re feeling anxious. Pets, especially dogs and cats, have a host of mood-boosting powers to ease loneliness, reduce anxiety, and enhance your cardiovascular health. If you have a doctor’s note, you may also be able to register your pet as a service animal, which will allow you to bring Fido, your cat, or any other type of animal into public areas like airports and restaurants.
Adopting, rather than buying, means you’ll save an animal from a shelter and the possibility of being euthanized. When you bring an adopted pet home, it can be difficult for them to adjust at first. When you bring an animal home from the shelter, try CBD for pets to help them assimilate and feel calm. Just like for humans, CBD can help your pet feel calm and relaxed without any negative side effects.
3. Get active
Regular exercise will produce endorphins in your body, which are the feel-good hormones responsible for the “runner’s high” feeling after a tough cardio session or weightlifting class. With the coronavirus pandemic causing gyms to close their doors, you can find a virtual fitness class online to do right at home.
Along with intense workouts, you can also head outdoors to get some exercise. From walking to biking and hiking to swimming, there are plenty of outdoor activities that can get your blood pumping. The fresh air and warm sun can also improve your mood and help you feel less anxious. Just make sure you’re staying away from highly trafficked areas and to wear a mask if you’re going to be in close proximity to others.
4. Get some sleep
For many sufferers of anxiety, falling asleep can be a challenge. With insomnia and restless thoughts keeping you up, getting shuteye can be near to impossible. However, sleep is an excellent natural remedy that can combat anxiety. To get better sleep and stay asleep, consider these tips:
● Invest in a comfortable mattress, such as a memory foam or hybrid mattress
● Put your phone, computer, or other mobile devices away at least one hour before you go to bed, as the blue light emitted from these devices alters your body’s natural wake/sleep cycle
● Only go to bed when you feel tired
● Create a bedroom environment that promotes sleep with blackout shades, limited distractions, and lively houseplants that produce a calming effect
● Journal before bed and write about anything that’s stressing you out to get it off of your mind
With these sleep tips on hand, you’ll whisk away to dreamland in no time.
5. Avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine
While the occasional cup of coffee or glass of wine is perfectly fine, indulging in these behaviors can be detrimental to your mental health. Excessive smoking, drinking, and caffeine consumption can worsen anxiety over time. While smoking and drinking might be the first thought to combat anxiety, they can make you feel more anxious once the buzz or high is gone. And while caffeine has plenty of health benefits, it can result in jitters and nervousness for those with anxiety.
The bottom line
Getting anxiety under control can be difficult. However, with these five tips, from getting active to trying CBD oil, you’ll be able to control your anxious thoughts and feel at ease.
