Anxiety is a stress response everyone experiences from time to time, and is a normal reaction to situations viewed as potentially threatening or dangerous. Anxiety becomes problematic when it interferes with normal functioning on a day to day basis, or when one is experiencing anxiety without any perceivable stimulus. You can learn to deal with and control anxiety naturally by using meditation techniques, exercise, social support groups and herbal remedies.
Develop a daily meditation practice. Meditation can evoke feelings of peace and tranquility, and it can also help you to deal with stressful situations. A daily meditation practice helps to quiet the mental chatter and can neutralize the "fight or flight" stress response that people with anxiety problems commonly experience. The National Institute of Mental Health states that meditation is beneficial to those experiencing anxiety disorders and can produce calming effects.
Exercise regularly. A Mayo Clinic article on depression discusses the link between getting regular exercise and reduction in levels of anxiety and depression. A reduction in stress levels, an increase in neurotransmitters that may help to combat anxiety, increased self-confidence and better physical health are just some of the benefits of developing a regular exercise routine. Exercise also gives you something else to focus on and helps to turn off the cycle of rumination that can create anxiety.
Join a support group for people with anxiety disorders. Support groups can empower sufferers of anxiety disorders to take control of their lives. These groups provide a forum for shared experiences, and can offer an opportunity for normalization with others who also suffer from this often debilitating disorder. Many people who have intense anxiety problems also live in isolation, so joining a group can also provide socialization in a safe environment.
Try an herbal supplement. The Mayo Clinic reports that several herbs have been found to reduce anxiety, including kava, passionflower and valerian. The theanine in green tea can increase the production of alpha waves in the brain, which tends to produce an alert but relaxed state. You should consult your doctor before using any herbal supplement, as some herbs can produce unwanted side effects.
Depression and anxiety: Exercise eases symptoms
