5 Best Ways to Lower Your Anxiety — Naturally!

Stress and anxiety have increased significantly in recent years. About half of adults report greater rates of worry and stress than they experienced before. All this is understandable, but what can be done about it? Here are 5 easy, inexpensive, completely natural ways to lower your levels of anxiety, stress and worry — and help you feel calmer, happier and more relaxed.

1. Exercise

I realize this is a dirty word for many people but exercise gives you the biggest bang for your buck when it comes to anxiety relief. You get even greater benefits if you work out outside, and even more gains if you exercise outside in the morning. If you haven't been active in a while, try walking early in the day. Set a brisk pace and either listen to music or your favorite podcast or enjoy the quiet. You'll increase your heart rate, benefit from the fresh air and natural light, and your circadian rhythms will get in sync — which can also help with weight loss!

2. Stop Smoking and Reduce Alcohol Intake

Both of these are stopgap measures that make you feel better temporarily. But once the quick fix is over, your anxiety may actually increase. Getting both of these habits under control will also improve your physical health — and the health of your wallet!

3. Eliminate Caffeine

If you're a coffee junkie you may be setting yourself up for anxiety and panic attacks. Or at least giving yourself the jitters. A much better alternative is to drink water or herbal tea. Research shows a clear connection between caffeine and anxiety. The good news is that if you have this habit it is just a habit — and with some work it can be changed.

4. Eat Healthy and Watch Your Sugar Intake

Try subbing fresh fruit for desserts and watch your processed food intake. If the alternative is to be stressed, anxious and worried all day, making some dietary changes may be worth it. Blood sugar spikes and crashes can trigger and intensify anxiety symptoms.

5. Get Enough Sleep

Insomnia and anxiety go hand-in-hand — in fact, they feed on each other. Here are some suggestions that can help improve your slumber:

• Turn off all electronics an hour before bedtime
• Take a warm bath or shower at the end of your day
• Eat a light, healthy dinner
• Use a white noise machine in your bedroom
• Keep your room cool and dark

None of these suggestions are expensive and none of them put harmful substances into your body. Every one of them can be helped with hypnosis — also a completely natural procedure. Call (254-722-6716) if you'd like some help. May your stress and anxiety decrease and your happiness rise!