Sometimes anxiety is just a troubling feeling that something isn’t right. Anxiety can show up as panic attacks, excessive worry or trouble sleeping, and it can be a nuisance or downright debilitating. To help you shift to a state of ease, we’ve rounded up 10 ways to quiet down your anxiety naturally.
1. Eat your breakfast
Skipping breakfast can make your blood sugar low and increase the likelihood of anxiety. Start your day with a bowl of oatmeal with strawberries or blueberries for a powerhouse combination of complex carbs to boost your serotonin levels and antioxidants to protect your body at a cellular level.
Read More: 5 Secrets to a Happy Morning
2. Practice meditation
The science is in and the deliberate practice of mindfulness meditation—paying attention to the present moment without judgment—can lessen stress and anxiety as well as boost creativity and improve productivity. Enjoy all the benefits by mastering the art of clearing your mind.
Read More: 6 Steps to Mindfulness Meditation
3. Tune in
You probably know right now what music calms you. Tune in to your favorite station on Pandora or on your personal playlist. Music can be uplifting and change your state of mind.
Watch: The Scientific Power of Music
4. Get your zzz’s
Your body and mind don’t function properly with a lack of sleep. A good night’s sleep is like a makeover for your mood. Sleep is so restorative that’s why you’ve heard the sage advice, “Sleep on it.”
5. Change the channel
Positive psychology expert Caroline Miller suggests changing the channel of your mind when life gets tough and you feel angst. Think of a quote you love, sing a song, or go out and connect with people who lift you up.
6. Go for a nature walk
Just going outdoors makes us more mindful and calm, according to Harvard researchers. Try a walk through the woods and listen to water in a stream and the birds in the trees to fully immerse in nature and feel serene.
7. Sweat more
Studies show exercise can work as well as medication to lessen anxiety, and its effects can be long-lasting as long as you keep up with your sweat sessions.
8. Try this breathing trick
Dr. Darlene Mininni, author of The Emotional Toolkit, suggests 3-3-6 breathing. Breathe in for three seconds, hold for three seconds, and exhale for six seconds. When your exhale is longer than your inhale, it helps you relax.
9. Make yourself laugh
There is a reason for the popularity of YouTube videos that feature cats, dogs and babies. When you are laughing, most likely you won’t be feeling anxious. Escape with a good belly laugh now and then.
10. Take a lavender bath
Lavender is known for its gorgeous floral and grassy aroma, but it may also be a natural remedy for anxiety and stress. Just a few drops in your bath can increase mental relaxation.
Sandra Bienkowski is a regular contributor to Live Happy and the founder and CEO of TheMediaConcierge.net.
