Is there a natural way to get rid of anxiety?

Question

Without taking medication, talking to a therapist, etc.....how can one train their brain to rid itself of anxiety? Its hard...but I know it can be done...any suggestions?

Answer 1

I wish I knew the answer to that! It's very frustrating when you know your anxieties are irrational, you tell yourself that, take a few deep breaths...but you're body is still reacting with anxiety. Obviously cutting out all caffiene is an important step. Limiting sugar intake can help as well. ndngrlz's suggestion, exercise, is very important as well. A tired body is less likely to feel the same level of anxiety as an overly energized one. Using all combined, I still haven't found anything that completely rids the mind & body of anxiety.

Answer 2

Such a perfect question for someone like me! I'm a natural-born worry wart, and have done extensive research on natural, calming strategies. I used to get very anxious all day, and have trouble falling asleep, but these methods have honestly helped soooo much, because they trigger soothing chemical release in your body, and even lower your blood pressure and triglyceride levels... So, here are a few methods:

Pinch your earlobes. Dont be shy, pinch! Rub the flesh between your middle finger + thumb in a counter-clockwise, circular motion. It should feel very uncomfortable, because this is a pressure point. After a minute, you will feel strangely relaxed. This is an ancient Asian method for releasing calming chemicals.

You can also do this with the web between your thumb and forefinger, and the web between your big toe and .. other toe..

Also, here's another winner. Put on your favorite music, even if it is screaming rock, choose anything that pleases you. Lay on your bed, on your back, with your legs extended straight out, and your palms on the sheets. Think about a really handsome man, or your best friend, and eliminate everything else out of your mind. Slowly but surely, working from your face to your toes, contort and tense every muscle you know exsists. Do it symmetrically, like both hands, or both calves, etc. Take whatever time you need. If you are really upset and feel like crying, but can't, contort your face. Bite your lip. Write an angry letter, but tear it or burn it when you are done.

Good luck calming down!!!

God Bless You,

**Carrie**

Answer 3

Meditation is a great way to help out. It can be difficult at first and takes a while to build up. Start with some simple relaxation exercises:

Sit in a comfortable chair, close your eyes and take some deep slow breaths. Imagine breathing in a white light that fills you up with serenity and relaxes you, and breathing out the anxiety. Keep going until you feel the relaxation starting.

Then start to relax your body start from your feet up. direct your attention to your feet and ankles, tense the muscles up as hard as possible then let them relax, move up to your lower legs, again tense and relax, then upper legs, then abdomen, chest, neck, arms and finally face and head. When you have tensed and relaxed all parts of your body relax for a few minutes, allow your mind to wander, but dont allow it to think in circles. If you find yourself following circles of thought, dismiss the thought by saying, its OK it will work itself out and direct your mind to another thought. Keep this up as long as you can (build up to about 15-20 minutes over time) when you are ready say to yourself OK, I'm ready to go back to the world now, take a few deep breaths and when you feel you are back to reality open your eyes.

When you have practiced this for a while you can do a quick method of this to help with sudden attacks, just close your eyes, take three deep breaths while imagining the light filling you up with calm and serenity and breathing out the anxiety. It can stop an anxiety attack in its tracks.

Good luck, and if it dosnt work for you please dont feel bad about asking for professional help. You must also get to the root of the anxiety, what is it that brings on the anxiety.

Answer 4

Yeah, just stop worrying about it!

I know that sounds like a joke and it was, but in all seriousness, I experience anxiety myself. I learned over the years that when I start feeling that way it is a response to an extended period of extreme stress. When I get the warning sign, I make myself relax and stop worrying. So, yes, to a limited extent you can control it with mental training.

Answer 5

The first thing I would do is enroll in a class of Yoga, they are great classes!! Breathing is a key factor in reducing your anxiety level. Breathe in though your nose and out your mouth slowly, over and over. Take a walk and concentrate on your breathing. Get breathing and walking!

Answer 6

Relaxation techniques-- thinking about pleasant experiences, for example. Controlled breathing, yoga, exercice, the list goes on and on. Clinical anxiety may require drug intervention and I don not advocate the discontinuation of a medication prescribed by a doctor.

Answer 7

So many good answers already!!

Breathing, exercise, meditation are all really great answers. I also have found that a cup of hot peppermint or chamomile tea works wonders. If I am really upset, I take Sleepy-Time tea, but I have to be careful with that -- it DOES make me sleepy!

Good luck!

Answer 8

Exercise relaxes a person,and releases endorphins which are natural 'feel good' chemicals within the body.

Answer 9

Get physical. Start walking or exercising. Sunshine elevates the "feel good" vitamin/endorphins naturally.

Answer 10

The way to beat anxiety is to grab the person causing it. Bend them over your knee, and spank them till you feel better. :)