Are you the type of person who worries about every little thing? If the stress in your life is outweighing the joy, it’s time to start improving your mindset. Stress and anxiety can have harmful effects on the body, especially if you live in a constant state of worry. While prescription medication can benefit many people, you don’t have to be a slave to your pharmacist to rid yourself of anxiety. Here are five natural ways that you can rid yourself of worry:
1.Meditate
One of the best ways that you can relieve stress and anxiety is to practice the art of quieting your mind. If you can stick with meditation, you will find that you reap the benefits rather quickly. In a few short months, your heart rate will slow, your blood pressure will drop, and you’ll find that those little things that used to stress you out are no longer such a big issue. Download a guided meditation app to your mobile device and give it a try.
2.Diet
You may not believe it, but what you eat can have an effect on your mood. If you live with anxiety, take a good, hard look at your diet. People who sustain themselves on refined sugars, carbohydrates and caffeine often find it more difficult to relax. Avoid changing your diet rapidly; you’ll only fall back into your old habits. Instead, begin substituting one food a week for something healthier. For instance, if you find yourself dying for something crunchy at lunch, ditch the chips and pick up an apple. Next week, continue with your apple and trade your white bread for whole grain. Continue on in this manner until you’ve transformed your diet from ho-hum to healthy.
3.Exercise
The next time that you feel as though the weight of the world is on your shoulders, lace up your tennis shoes and get moving. Stress suppresses the natural feel-good chemicals in your brain; exercise increases them. You don’t have to become a marathon runner to beat your worry, simply take a 20 minute walk with the dog each night. The exercise will benefit both your body and your mind.
4.Groom the Dog
Speaking of your dog, or cat, did you know that people who live with animals are naturally less anxious than people that don’t? When you’re feeling particularly stressed out, sit down with your pet and give it a good brush out. The simple, repetitive motion of brushing your pet will put you into a relaxed state. Not only will you lose some of your anxiety, but your pet will look like a movie star by the time you’re finished.
5.Sleep
It can be difficult to get a good night’s sleep when you suffer with anxiety or stress. Many people find that adjusting their sleep habits can alleviate much of their worry. You may have to fight through insomnia for a few nights, but you’ll feel better if you can get yourself on a schedule. Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning. Remove distractions from your bedroom, paint your walls in a calming color and add light-blocking shades to your windows if necessary. Make it your goal to get seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep each night.
There is nothing wrong with taking medication for your anxiety if it is recommended by your doctor. Whether you choose to follow these tips on their own or combine them with the prescription medication is a personal decision. Either way, using natural remedies for your anxiety will give you more energy, calm your mind and, as a side effect, improve your health.
Mia Lenney is an avid yoga and fitness blogger. If you are looking for guided meditation, check out relaxation meditation music.
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