In a society full of multiple responsibilities, both social and professional, it can be easy to become overwhelmed by emotion and stress. That’s why it doesn’t come as a surprise that many people develop some form of anxiety during their lifetime. Some people are more prone than others to anxiety, but it can affect anyone. Stressful periods, such as an examination week or a job interview may cause anxiety.
Sunlight
Getting plenty of sunlight is one of the best ways to reduce your levels of anxiety. Not only does the sun help plants to grow, but it helps keep us happy and energetic. It also boosts our levels of vitamin D, ensuring good health, both mental and physical. Even short 15-minute breaks in the sun may have significant benefits for your mental health. To amplify the impact of sunlight, take your break in an environment with abundant greenery. This color has been shown to create a feeling of tranquility and peacefulness.
Warm Baths
After an excruciatingly long, anxious day at work or at school, one of the most relaxing ways to unwind is by taking a hot bath. Warm baths help by increasing body temperature, which regulates mood and anxiety. If you want to feel even better, try adding Epsom salts to the bath. Known for their positive effect on relaxation, Epsom salts may help reduce anxiety. If you prefer, you can add essential oils such as peppermint or orange to the bathwater for a delightful natural scent.
Reduce Coffee Consumption
For many people, coffee is the thing that keeps them going. But for anxiety sufferers, coffee may have devastating effects on mental health and stability. Excessive coffee consumption may make you feel anxious and concerned. It’s preferable not to consume any coffee at all, but if you need a caffeine boost, try drinking products that have lower amounts of caffeine, such as tea. It’s important to remember that many products, such as candy and sodas, may also have high amounts of caffeine. If you drink coffee, try to limit yourself to one cup a day. The easiest way to stop drinking coffee is to reduce your consumption gradually.
Exercise
Exercise is the perfect way to reduce stress and improve happiness levels. Weekly exercise is key for a balanced and healthy lifestyle. On a mental level, exercise is one of the most important elements, together with a healthy diet and abundant amounts of sleep. Exercise works by releasing endorphins, which make you feel good. Moreover, exercise increases body heat, which has outstanding effects on mental function as well as overall mood. That’s why people who exercise frequently seem so level-headed and happy. As a plus, regular exercise may increase your life expectancy significantly and reduce your risk of disease.
Dietary Modifications
Making improvements to your diet may have positive effects on mental health. Many foods, such as alcohol and artificial sweeteners, are a source of damage to your brain’s health. In fact, many studies have shown that high levels of these substances have a direct link to anxiety and other mental conditions. Another significant improvement that may increase mental health is consuming adequate amounts of vital vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium and vitamin B12, which have been linked to anxiety. It’s important to reduce your consumption of processed foods gradually; while the occasional pizza is okay, this type of food should be kept to a minimum.
Superfoods
Superfoods are all the rage nowadays, and the amount of them on our supermarket shelves just goes to show how popular these products have become. Many people believe that superfoods are an excellent way of improving both mental and physical health. Superfoods are known for their copious amounts of vitamins and minerals. They’re an outstanding source of fiber, which keeps your digestive system in good shape and promotes rapid absorption of nutrients. Moreover, superfoods may have a positive effect on stress levels, and they may contribute to lower levels of cortisol.
Lysine
Even though the name might sound scientific, lysine is a powerful tool in the fight against anxiety. That’s why many people consume lysine supplements as an alternative to increasing mental health and overall well-being. Many recent studies have shown that increasing lysine consumption may reduce some symptoms of anxiety and especially stress. Lysine can also be consumed in a more natural way by eating certain meat, fish, and beans. On a molecular level, L-lysine is an essential building block of the brain’s neurotransmitters, which is what makes it significant in fighting anxiety.
Lavender
Essential oils are well known for their relaxing and uplifting properties. They are widely used around the world in spiritual practices to enhance their effect. They’re a great way of making you feel better by providing a relaxing scent to your environment. Studies have shown that lavender oil has natural anxiety-fighting properties. The positive results are amplified when receiving lavender oil massages. Massages may lower stress levels significantly. Lavender oil also has other uses. For example, you can place it underneath your pillow for a good night’s sleep, and you can purchase lavender-scented candles for a relaxing ambiance.
Omega-3
In modern society, many people lead unhealthy lives that are based on unhealthy and processed foods. Fast foods, sugar and corn syrup are found in high levels in today’s food products. Our Western diet may have harmful consequences for our mental health. One of the most important elements that people leave out of their diets is omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 consumption is linked to a lower amount of stress chemicals like adrenaline or cortisol. The best sources of omega-3 fatty acids are fish and seeds. You can also purchase omega-3 fatty acid supplements from your local pharmacy.
Tea
Frequent but moderate consumption of tea has been linked to higher levels of happiness. Chamomile tea, especially, has been shown to be effective in promoting relaxation. This herb contains chemicals that increase drowsiness, making it an excellent remedy for people who can’t sleep due to their high levels of anxiety. Moreover, if the tea is consumed on a consistent basis, it may reduce long-term symptoms of anxiety disorder. Chamomile tea contains apigenin and luteolin, which are propitious for good mental health. Some people say that it should only be sipped at nighttime because it can often make you sleepy.