Healthy Harmony » How to Reduce Your Stress and Anxiety Levels Naturally

Stress and anxiety are common problems that affect millions of people around the world. They can have negative impacts on your physical and mental health, as well as your relationships, work, and happiness.

I have seen many patients who suffer from stress and anxiety related issues, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, insomnia, depression, and panic attacks. I have also experienced stress and anxiety myself, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when I had to deal with long hours, high risks, and emotional distress.

While there are many medications and therapies available to treat stress and anxiety, they may not work for everyone, or they may have unwanted side effects. That’s why I’m a big fan of natural stress relief remedies and anxiety reduction techniques that can help you cope with stress and anxiety in a safe and effective way.

In this blog post, I will share with you some of the best natural stress relief remedies and anxiety reduction techniques that I have learned and practiced over the years. These are holistic approaches to stress and anxiety that address not only the symptoms, but also the root causes and the underlying imbalances in your body and mind.

I hope you will find them useful and beneficial for your health and well-being. Let’s get started!

Natural Stress Relief Remedies

Natural stress relief remedies are substances or practices that can help you relax, calm down, and reduce the effects of stress on your body and mind. They can be herbal, nutritional, or behavioral. Here are some of the most effective natural stress relief remedies that I recommend:

Herbal Stress Relievers

Herbs are plants that have medicinal properties and can be used to treat various health conditions. Some herbs are especially good for relieving stress and anxiety, as they have soothing, sedative, or adaptogenic effects. Adaptogens are herbs that help your body adapt to stress and restore balance.

Some of the best herbs for stress relief are:

Chamomile: Chamomile is a flowering plant that has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for stress, insomnia, and digestive problems. Chamomile tea is one of the most popular ways to consume chamomile, as it has a pleasant taste and aroma. Chamomile tea can help you relax, sleep better, and reduce inflammation and pain. You can drink chamomile tea before bedtime, or anytime you feel stressed or anxious.
Lavender: Lavender is another flowering plant that has a calming and relaxing effect on your nervous system. Lavender oil is one of the most widely used essential oils for aromatherapy, as it can help you reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. You can inhale lavender oil directly from the bottle, or use a diffuser, a spray, or a pillow. You can also apply lavender oil to your temples, wrists, or feet, or add a few drops to your bath water, for a soothing and refreshing experience.
Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is a herb that belongs to the same family as tomatoes and potatoes. It is one of the most powerful adaptogens, as it can help your body cope with physical, mental, and emotional stress. Ashwagandha can also boost your immune system, energy levels, and cognitive function. You can take ashwagandha as a supplement, in the form of capsules, powder, or liquid extract. The recommended dosage is 300 to 500 mg per day, preferably with food.

Nutritional Stress Relievers

Nutrition is another important factor that can affect your stress and anxiety levels. What you eat and drink can either nourish or deplete your body and mind, and influence your mood, hormones, and neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that regulate your brain activity and emotions.

Some of the best nutritional stress relievers are:

Magnesium: Magnesium is a mineral that is essential for many bodily functions, including nerve and muscle function, blood pressure regulation, and energy production. Magnesium is also known as the “anti-stress” mineral, as it can help you relax, sleep better, and prevent headaches and muscle cramps. Magnesium deficiency is very common, especially among people who are stressed, as stress can deplete your magnesium levels. You can increase your magnesium intake by eating foods rich in magnesium, such as leafy greens, nuts, seeds, beans, and dark chocolate. You can also take magnesium supplements, in the form of tablets, capsules, or powder. The recommended dosage is 300 to 400 mg per day, preferably with food.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that your body cannot produce on its own, and that you need to obtain from your diet. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for your brain health, as they can help you improve your memory, concentration, and mood. Omega-3 fatty acids can also reduce inflammation and lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. You can get omega-3 fatty acids from eating fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, and sardines, at least twice a week. You can also take omega-3 supplements, in the form of fish oil, krill oil, or algae oil. The recommended dosage is 1 to 2 grams per day, preferably with food.
B Vitamins: B vitamins are a group of eight vitamins that are involved in many metabolic processes, such as energy production, DNA synthesis, and neurotransmitter formation. B vitamins are also essential for your mental health, as they can help you prevent or reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. B vitamins work best when taken together, as they have synergistic effects. You can get B vitamins from eating foods rich in B vitamins, such as whole grains, eggs, dairy, meat, and leafy greens. You can also take B complex supplements, which contain all eight B vitamins. The recommended dosage is 50 to 100 mg per day, preferably with food.

Behavioral Stress Relievers

Behavioral stress relievers are actions or habits that can help you cope with stress and anxiety in a positive and productive way. They can be physical, mental, or social. Here are some of the most effective behavioral stress relievers that I recommend:

Exercise: Exercise is one of the best ways to relieve stress and anxiety, as it can help you release endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones that can boost your mood, energy, and confidence. Exercise can also help you improve your physical health, fitness, and appearance, which can enhance your self-esteem and happiness. Exercise can also distract you from your worries and problems, and give you a sense of accomplishment and control. You can choose any type of exercise that you enjoy and that suits your level of fitness, such as walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, dancing, or playing sports. You can also try yoga, which is a form of exercise that combines physical poses, breathing techniques, and meditation, and that can help you reduce stress, anxiety, and pain, and improve your flexibility, balance, and strength. You should aim to exercise for at least 30 minutes, three to five times a week, preferably in the morning or afternoon, as exercising too close to bedtime can interfere with your sleep quality.
Meditation: Meditation is a practice that involves focusing your attention on a single object, such as your breath, a word, a sound, or a sensation, and letting go of any thoughts, feelings, or distractions that arise in your mind. Meditation can help you reduce stress and anxiety, as it can help you calm your nervous system, lower your blood pressure and heart rate, and increase your awareness and mindfulness. Mindfulness is the ability to be present and attentive to the current moment, without judging or reacting to it. Mindfulness can help you cope with stress and anxiety, as it can help you accept and deal with your emotions, thoughts, and sensations, rather than avoiding or suppressing them. You can meditate anywhere and anytime, as long as you can find a quiet and comfortable place, where you won’t be disturbed or distracted. You can also use apps, videos, or audio guides to help you meditate, or join a meditation group or class, where you can learn from others and share your experiences. You should aim to meditate for at least 10 minutes, once or twice a day, preferably in the morning or evening, as these are the times when your mind is more relaxed and receptive.
Social Support: Social support is the help and comfort that you receive from your family, friends, and other people who care about you. Social support can help you reduce stress and anxiety, as it can help you feel loved, valued, and understood, and provide you with emotional, practical, and informational assistance. Social support can also help you cope with stress and anxiety, as it can help you share your feelings and problems, get feedback and advice, and find solutions and resources. You can enhance your social support by maintaining regular contact with your family and friends, either in person, by phone, or online. You can also join a support group or a community, where you can meet and interact with people who have similar interests, goals, or challenges as you. You can also participate in social activities, such as volunteering, joining a club, or taking a class, where you can make new friends and have fun. You should aim to have at least one meaningful social interaction, where you can express yourself and feel supported, every day.

Anxiety Reduction Techniques

Anxiety reduction techniques are methods or skills that can help you prevent or reduce the symptoms of anxiety, such as nervousness, fear, worry, or panic. They can be cognitive, emotional, or physical. Here are some of the most effective anxiety reduction techniques that I recommend:

Cognitive Anxiety Reduction Techniques

Cognitive anxiety reduction techniques are ways to change your thinking patterns and beliefs that cause or worsen your anxiety. They can help you challenge and replace your negative, irrational, or unrealistic thoughts with more positive, rational, or realistic ones. They can also help you cope with uncertainty, ambiguity, and unpredictability, which are common triggers of anxiety.

Some of the best cognitive anxiety reduction techniques are:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of psychotherapy that can help you identify and modify your dysfunctional thoughts, behaviors, and emotions that contribute to your anxiety. CBT can also help you learn and practice coping skills, such as relaxation, problem-solving, and exposure, that can help you face and overcome your fears and worries. CBT is usually delivered by a trained therapist, either individually or in a group setting, over a period of several weeks or months. You can also use self-help books, apps, or online programs that are based on CBT principles, to supplement your therapy or to learn CBT on your own.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): MBCT is a type of psychotherapy that combines CBT with mindfulness practices, such as meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises. MBCT can help you become more aware and accepting of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations, without judging or reacting to them. MBCT can also help you prevent or reduce the recurrence of anxiety, especially if you have a history of depression or chronic anxiety. MBCT is usually delivered by a trained therapist, either individually or in a group setting, over a period of eight weeks. You can also use self-help books, apps, or online programs that are based on MBCT principles, to supplement your therapy or to learn MBCT on your own.
Positive Affirmations: Positive affirmations are statements that you say to yourself or write down, that express your positive qualities, abilities, or goals. Positive affirmations can help you boost your self-esteem, confidence, and optimism, and counteract your negative, self-critical, or doubtful thoughts. Positive affirmations can also help you motivate yourself, focus on your strengths, and achieve your desired outcomes. You can create your own positive affirmations, or use existing ones, that are relevant and meaningful to you. You can repeat your positive affirmations out loud, in your mind, or in writing, preferably in the morning or before a stressful situation, for at least five minutes.

Emotional Anxiety Reduction Techniques

Emotional anxiety reduction techniques are ways to regulate your emotions and express your feelings in a healthy and constructive way. They can help you cope with your anxiety, as well as other emotions, such as anger, sadness, or guilt, that may be associated with or triggered by your anxiety. They can also help you improve your emotional intelligence, which is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage your own and others’ emotions.

Some of the best emotional anxiety reduction techniques are:

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT): EFT is a technique that involves tapping on specific points on your body, while saying affirmations or statements that address your anxiety or other emotional issues. EFT is based on the idea that negative emotions are caused by disruptions in your body’s energy system, and that tapping can restore the balance and flow of energy, and thus reduce or eliminate the negative emotions. EFT can help you release your anxiety, as well as any trauma, pain, or stress that may be underlying or contributing to your anxiety. You can learn EFT from a trained practitioner, or from books, videos, or online resources, and practice it on your own, whenever you feel anxious or stressed.
Journaling: Journaling is a technique that involves writing down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, either on paper or on a digital device. Journaling can help you process your anxiety, as well as any other emotions, events, or issues that may be causing or affecting your anxiety. Journaling can also help you gain insight, perspective, and clarity, and find solutions and strategies to cope with your anxiety. You can journal in any way that suits you, such as using prompts, questions, or templates, or writing freely, creatively, or reflectively. You can journal whenever you feel the need, or at a regular time, such as in the morning or before bedtime, for at least 10 minutes.
Art Therapy: Art therapy is a technique that involves using various forms of art, such as drawing, painting, sculpting, or collage, to express your emotions and communicate your feelings. Art therapy can help you reduce your anxiety, as well as any other emotions, memories, or conflicts that may be related to or triggered by your anxiety. Art therapy can also help you enhance your creativity, imagination, and self-expression, and discover new aspects of yourself. You can do art therapy with a trained therapist, or on your own, using any materials or mediums that you like. You can do art therapy whenever you feel inspired, or at a regular time, such as once a week, for at least 20 minutes.

Physical Anxiety Reduction Techniques

Physical anxiety reduction techniques are ways to relax your body and reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, sweating, trembling, or nausea. They can help you calm your nervous system, lower your stress hormones, and increase your relaxation hormones. They can also help you improve your physical health, fitness, and appearance, which can boost your mental health and well-being.

Some of the best physical anxiety reduction techniques are:

Deep Breathing Exercises: Deep breathing exercises are techniques that involve breathing deeply and slowly, using your diaphragm, rather than your chest. Deep breathing exercises can help you reduce your anxiety, as they can help you oxygenate your blood, lower your blood pressure and heart rate, and activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the “rest and digest” response. Deep breathing exercises can also help you clear your mind, focus on the present moment, and release tension and negative emotions. You can do deep breathing exercises anywhere and anytime, as long as you can find a comfortable position, where you can breathe freely and fully. You can also use apps, videos, or audio guides to help you do deep breathing exercises, or follow a specific technique, such as the 4-7-8 method, which involves inhaling for 4 seconds, holding for 7 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR): PMR is a technique that involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in your body, in a systematic and sequential order. PMR can help you reduce your anxiety, as it can help you release physical tension, pain, and stiffness, and increase blood circulation and oxygen delivery to your muscles. PMR can also help you become more aware and mindful of your body, and identify and relax any areas that are holding stress or anxiety. You can do PMR anywhere and anytime, as long as you can find a quiet and comfortable place, where you can lie down or sit down. You can also use apps, videos, or audio guides to help you do PMR, or follow a specific order, such as starting from your feet and moving up to your head, or vice versa.
Massage Therapy: Massage therapy involves applying pressure, movement, or vibration to your body, using your hands, fingers, elbows, knees, or feet, or using tools, such as rollers, balls, or sticks. Massage therapy can help you reduce your anxiety, as it can help you relax your muscles, joints, and tissues, and stimulate your lymphatic system, which is responsible for removing toxins and waste from your body. Massage therapy can also help you improve your mood, sleep, and immunity, and reduce inflammation and pain. You can get massage therapy from a professional therapist, or from a friend, partner, or family member, or you can do self-massage, using your own hands or tools. You can get massage therapy whenever you feel the need, or at a regular time, such as once a week, for at least 15 minutes.

Conclusion

Stress and anxiety are common and normal reactions to the challenges and uncertainties of life. However, when they become excessive, chronic, or interfere with your daily functioning, they can have serious consequences for your health and happiness.

That’s why it’s important to find natural and effective ways to reduce your stress and anxiety levels, and improve your quality of life.

Remember, you are not alone in your struggle with stress and anxiety. There are many resources and people who can support you and help you overcome your challenges. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help, if you need it. You deserve to live a healthy, happy, and stress-free life.

Thank you for your time and attention. Have a wonderful day!