Natural Ways to Get a Hold On Your Anxiety

Earlier this year I began struggling with anxiety and panic attacks. As we get older there are more responsibilities, daily stressors and concerns we have to face and sometimes it can become overwhelming. At one point it started to feel like anxiety was controlling me, rather than me controlling it. After a few panic attacks I reached out to a naturopathic doctor in Chicago to see how I could naturally get in control of my anxieties.

Here are some helpful products and tips to try when you are feeling anxious

1. CBD

Cbd is all the rave right now. It’s an anti-anxiety proponent, anti-inflammatory, natural treatment for depression, balances sleep, heart healthy, and has been studied to improve acne! What cant this oil do?! For starters cbd has no thc which means it has no psychoactive drugs in it. i use Charlotte's Web because it is European regulated and was recommend to me as a natural and safe cbd from my doctor. Unfortunately in the US cbd is not regulated which means many companies can grow their cannabis around fertilizers and extract the hemp using harmful chemicals that we put in our BODIES. Europe has been regulating CBD a lot longer than we have and has established some safe guidelines so we know what exactly is going in our bodies.

HOW I USE IT: At night i put a couple drops under my tongue to relax & get a good nights sleep! You can also mix it in sleepy time tea or salad dressings! A little goes a long ways so always start small and add more

2. Rescue Remedy

Another natural find recommended by my naturopathic doctor is Rescue Remedy! She actually told me she used to take it when she would get stressed studying for exams! It is made by Bach Flower and is all natural. It is similar with cbd in the fact that you can not overdose and it is meant to help calm you. You can find on Amazon.

3. Magnesium Supplements

Magnesium deficiencies can actually produce anxiety. Magnesium supplements are used to help restore balance and calm our muscles. Talk to your doctor about a recommended dosage. Our bodies have a natural way of removing too much magnesium so if you find yourself cramping or using the restroom after taking it you may have too strong of a dose. Always remember that the vitamin companies are extremely unregulated right now so technically companies can sell you PLACEBO pills and call it a vitamin. Here are some trusted brands Nature Made and Garden of Life.

4. Therapy

As much as I physically felt more calm i still felt emotionally anxious and felt like i could not control my panic attacks. I started seeing a Therapist once a week to talk out stressful moments and it has been PIVITAL in my process of dealing with anxiety. My panic attacks have stopped and I have not felt more in control and like myself. There is no shame in talking to someone and in my opinion therapy can benefit anyone.

5. Ask your doctor to do a hormone test/blood work

My naturopathic doctor actually ran a full blood test to prove to me that nothing was wrong with my body. I would definitely define myself as a bit of a hypochondriac. Not only should you do this every year for your overall health but your mental health can take a load off just knowing your body is up to par.

Which brings me to how hormone imbalances can definitely increase anxiety and depression, especially in women. If you are on a birth control and find yourself struggling with anxiety and depression like i did, talk to your doctor. You aren't crazy! Hormones are everything and a simple hormone test can tell us what birth control can really work for us best.

6. Create a Healthy Lifestyle and Routine

Eyeroll pleeeaaaaase. We all hear, none of us want to, but no matter how much we want to roll our eyes to the back of our heads its still true. Working out, eating healthy, and getting a good nights sleep all contribute to a healthy mental. Working out produces endorphines which boosts the happy hormone. Our bodies need the proper sleep and nutrients to run correctly and the better we feel inside and out the better our bodies can regulate and perform under stress.

7. Deep Breathing

For a panic attack or any stressful moment work on some deep breathing. Put one hand on your chest and one on your stomach. Breath in through your belly (your belly should expand) for 7 slow seconds. Hold for 3. Breath out for 7 seconds. While you do this focus on one thing physical like the sound of the fan or your feet on the ground. Do this 7 times. This will help calm you out of a panic attack.

8. Ashwagandha Root Supplements

This vitamin was actually recommended to me. It's a vegan plant based supplement that helps balance mood and calms you when stressed!