6 Natural Ways To Cope With Anxiety

Anxiety is a natural human experience which can become overwhelming without the right coping skills. Here are six ways to cope with anxiety naturally, as a normal part of life.

1. Move your body more often: Anxiety is energy caused by the production of stress hormones as part of the fight-flight-or-freeze response. Only, anxiety worsens because of this response instead of resolves. The more the brain and the body think it is in danger the worse anxiety becomes. Moving your body regularly helps use anxious energy which is constantly present. During an anxiety attack, it is helpful to walk around, jump up and down, or even dance with the limbs all loose to move the energy.
2. Use food as medicine: Food is healing. Sugary foods are stimulant foods which will make the anxious brain more hyperactive than it needs to be. Caffeine is also a stimulant which will hype up the anxious mind instead of calming it down. Both caffeine and sugar create a peak of energy followed by a crash of low energy. Anxiety is a high energy experience. Crashing into low energy can actually trigger more anxiety. Instead of processed foods which contain sugar, opt for a whole food diet which will give your body and your mind more vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Mental health disorders like anxiety are especially helped by foods which contain Omega-3 fatty acids, Turmeric (Curcumin), and Vitamin D.
3. Take vitamins and mineral supplements: Taking an extra supplement to support intake of Omegas, Vitamin D and other essential nutrients can be helpful for recovering from anxiety. Magnesium and calcium help create calm in the brain and the body, which can help with anxiety.

4. Look at more than your screen: Did you know that there is a blue light behind the screen of your phone that’s supposed to mimic daylight? Staring at your screen too much actually stimulates your brain, which can be problematic when you’re living with anxiety. Take time to look away from your phone and your computer so that your brain has a chance to reset itself.

5. Meditate: Meditation is an evidence-based practice for reducing symptoms of stress, which can include symptoms of anxiety and depression. Taking quiet time to focus on the breath and let go of thought processes helps unwind anxious thinking will creating more space for calm and centeredness.

6. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness is a form of meditation but it is also separate from meditation. The practice of mindfulness includes noticing your thoughts, becoming aware of your feelings, and learning to pay attention, without judgement. Mindfulness calms down the sympathetic nervous system, which can play a role in anxiety.

If you feel that your anxiety is out of control and it is influencing an addiction to drugs or alcohol, there is healing available. We are here to meet you with empathy and compassion as you start your journey to recover. Start with partial care at Enlightened Solutions in New Jersey where we create comprehensive integrative programs combining clinical, holistic, and alternative approaches to treatment.

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