Are there any natural ways to overcome anxiety?

Question

I exercise about 4 days a week or more, eat fairly healthy and have been doing all of this for over two years. I still am suffering from anxiety problems, my muscles tense up throughout the day, I feel my heart race when I think negative thoughts, and I cannot sleep through the night. I wake up and toss and turn dozens of times. What other natural way can I go about fixing this?

Answer 1

Try progressive muscle relaxation. Here is a website I found that guides you through the process. it is a great stress reliever!
http://www.guidetopsychology.com/pmr.htm

Also try diaphramatic breathing. This is a really great way to de-stress yourself, especially at high stress times when you feel your heart racing. Here is a site that may help you with this:
http://www.pe2000.com/breathe_diaphragm.htm

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

You are well on the way to controlling your problem, I think. Find as much information as you can about anxiety, because knowledge is power! Those times that you find your heart racing, you tell yourself that you recognize the symptoms and that nothing is really wrong. Don't underestimate your own mental power in controlling your anxiety. As far as the sleep thing, the standard wisdom is to avoid stimulants like caffeine late in the day. There are also natural sleep aides you might try. Getting enough sleep, will go a long way in helping you feel better. And remember, we all have negative thoughts, we are all anxious at times, try to remember you are not alone in how you feel. Good luck!

Answer 3

The most effective way to overcome ANY level of depression or its side effects is to change the environment that cause the symptoms, and their effects.

All the exercise, pills, self help aids in the world will not work long term, if you remain in that place that continues to feed the depression/anxiety.

Rev. Steven

Answer 4

i have severe social anxiety and panic disorder. a few years ago i started taking noni juice. it worked like a charm, the anxiety and panic disappeared, i had more energy than a teenager and i felt healthy.... the drawback is the taste. i reached a point where i couldnt bring myself to take one more taste of it....ever. i will gladly go back on it the day it comes out in coated pill form. its hard to find pure noni juice but you can get close in any health food store. the effects are worth it if you can handle the taste. i highly recommend it, because it does work!

Answer 5

Try Square Breathing.

Answer 6

Leading medical researchers and clinicians have recommended that individuals take a daily multi-nutrient supplement. If you would like I could recommend a supplement for you. For information just email me and I will be glad to get more information to you. Bud

Answer 7

40000 Cured Social Anxiety - http://SocialAnxiety.uzaev.com/?VuKE

Answer 8

True Blueberry Yum Yum is an excellent was to relieve anxiety.

Its better than getting addicted to zanax.

Answer 9

Sure, but nothing works like drugs! Take it from me!

But here's another thought:
Natural Treatments For Anxiety

Conventional treatments center around anti-anxiety drugs such as Xanax or BuSpar. Anti-depressants may also help. These are best used as short-term strategies. Counseling can help address underlying issues.

Diet
Eliminating coffee should be the first step. There is significant clinical evidence showing that it can be all that is needed in some cases. Other foods that may worsen anxiety in excess are refined sugar honey, maple syrup and cow's milk products.

Nutritional Supplements & Vitamins
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) - GABA is an amino acid that is known to play a role in the physiology of anxiety. Presciption drugs for anxiety such as Valium and Xanax work by affecting GABA receptors in the brain. However, the degree to which orally ingested GABA supplements can reach the brain is unknown.

Other nutritional supplements used for anxiety include pantothenic acid, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B complex.

Herbs
Kava - Kava (Piper methysticum) is a herb that is used widely in Europe for nervous anxiety, tension, agitation, and insomnia. Native to Polynesia, kava appears to work in a similar way to prescription benzodiazepine drugs such as Xanax and Valium, with similar effectiveness. Kava doesn't appear to cause mental drowsiness unless taken in large doses. Nevertheless, it is best to use caution until you know the extent of its effects on you. The benefits is often noticeable within weeks, but some people notice improvement after as little as a week. Kava should not be used by people who have had dystonic reactions from antipsychotic drugs or who have Parkinson's disease, as case reports indicate that kava may interfere with dopamine. People taking benzodiazepines such as Valium should only take kava under the strict guidance of a qualified professional.

Valerian - Valerian is a herbal traquilizer that is best known as a remedy for insomnia. It calms the nervous system, balances mood swings, and is not habit forming. One study found that it may have calming effects during stressful situations. It can be blended with other herbs such as hops or passionflower. Valerian should not be used by children, pregnant or nursing women. People with serious health conditions, or who are taking prescription drugs for mood or neurological disorders should consult a qualified professional before taking valerian.

Other herbs - Chamomile, hops, lemon balm, passion flower, skullcap and suma are calming herbs that are frequently recommended for anxiety.

Physical Activity
Exercise is perhaps the safest and most effective method of managing stress. Cardiovascular exercise combined with calming exercise such as walking several times per week can be very beneficial.

Aromatherapy
Plant essential oils can be added to baths, massage oil, or infusers. A few drops of essential oils in massage oil can be massaged into the scalp and temples before bed. Essential oils that are used for anxiety and nervous tension are: bergamot, cypress, geranium, jasmine, lavender, melissa, neroli, rose, sandalwood, ylang-ylang. Lavender is the most common and forms the base of many relaxing blends.

Bodywork
Massage therapy, shiatsu, and other forms of bodywork can relax muscle tension, relieve stress, and improve sleep.

Stress-Reduction Techniques
Mind/body breathing exercises, physical exercise, yoga, tai chi, self-hypnosis, massage, meditation, and biofeedback are just some of the stress reduction techniques used for anxiety. Try different techniques and determine which routine you can stick with even when your schedule becomes even more hectic.

Answer 10

most cities have anxiety disorder clinics. these clinics provide individual and or group therapy. you may want to try that prior to meds. call your local hospital for location nearest to u.