8 Ways To Naturally Lower Anxiety

Decompress the natural way.

Slim Down with the Walk/Run Plan

Worry and fear are a normal part of life, whether you’re worried about starting a new job or stressed about a parent’s health. Now it’s time to take a deep, cleansing breath and feel better with these 8 Ways To Naturally Lower Your Anxiety.

A little anxiety can be good when it pushes us to make positive changes or perform better. However, too much anxiety can wreak havoc on our health and well-being. Sometimes anxiety triggers symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, moodiness, or sweating. It affects the body internally, raising blood sugar levels and triglycerides (unhealthy blood fats), as the body tries to make more fuel available for perceived threats.

These ways to lower anxiety will help you relax and restore your emotional well-being. If anxious thoughts regularly interfere with your ability to live the life you want, please talk with your family doctor or a mental health professional.

1. Choose good mood foods.
Bad carbohydrates, like packaged chips, crackers, and refined sugar, impact brain function and blood sugar. Give your brain and body the foundation it needs to operate at its peak by choosing healthy foods to support better moods — foods like Greek yogurt or dark chocolate. Find more ideas in Top 10 Good Mood Foods or 8 Foods to Boost Your Mood.

2. Make ZZZs a priority.
The body reboots itself during sleep. Lacking in the shut-eye department can wreak serious havoc on your moods. When you need ways to lower anxiety with better quality sleep, try our 6-Minute Workout for Better Sleep and learn 9 Tips to Get Better Sleep.

3. Make time for tea.
Tea time isn’t just a quaint custom you read about in books. Herbal teas have long been used to lower anxiety levels and improve moods. Research also suggests people who consume green tea have lower levels of depressive symptoms [1]. Unwind this week with tea drink recipes like Rosemary and Lemon Herbal Tea, Orange-Pomegranate Green Tea, and Green Tea Kiwi-Berry Smoothie.

4. Sweat it out.
Working out several times a week reduces stress hormones. If it’s been awhile since you’ve broken a sweat, get started with our Beginner Workouts. Need a new routine to reinvigorate your physical activity? Check out Running Resources and Fat Blaster Workouts.

5. Give yoga a go.
Yoga combines physical movement with controlled breathing exercises to naturally lower levels of stress hormones. One study suggests yoga can reduce emotional distress, including anxiety. What’s more, study participants reported better sleep, fewer headaches, and less back pain [2]. Try our Yoga Workout for Beginners or Evening Yoga for Relaxation.

6. Limit alcohol.
Alcoholic drinks are full of empty calories and, sometimes, refined sugar, but they also affect levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters that play a role in mood. When you want to treat yourself to a special drink, indulge in this Healthy Hot Maple-Apple Cider or 7 Non-Alcoholic Drinks.

7. Go alkaline.
Acidic foods don’t just trigger heartburn. They can raise the body’s pH enough to cause problems like weight gain and anxiety. Learn more in Alkaline Foods and Your Healthy Weight Loss, then download a FREE Alkaline Food Guide for menu planning and grocery shopping.

8. Spend time with friends.
Social support is one of our favorite ways to lower anxiety naturally. Numerous studies show that healthy social connections help people better cope with stress and anxiety [3]. Grab a pal or loved one and take a long walk. Join that book club you’ve been thinking about. Work out with a friend and challenge her to one of our Fitness Challenges. Or ask a few friends over to watch a flick while indulging in Healthy Popcorn Recipes.

Is it time for a lifestyle reboot? Check out the Skinny Ms. Clean Overhaul 30-Day Weight Loss Program ebook.

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Resources

[1] American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

[2] Inner Body Research

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The SkinnyMs. team believes that all people, regardless of age, size, and fitness level, have the power to transform their lives — they just need the resources to do so. The SkinnyMs. method promotes healthy living through a combination of clean eating and regular exercise. We offer everything you need to be successful.

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