4 Simple Yet Effective Ways to Reduce Anxiety

On good days, my mind is calm, and I have control over my life. But then there are other days when I feel as though the world is going to collapse. It happens when the day didn’t start as I hoped or when my children are not on their best behavior. I get restless and my mind fills with excessive worries and anxieties. I feel the mounting pressure before the day unfolds.

So when I’m overly anxious I resort to natural methods to regain control and a sense of calm.

Here are four ways that help me keep my anxiety under control.

Meditation

Life can get overwhelming sometimes, and no matter how healthy your lifestyle is, the daily demands of getting things done are enough to keep the pressure high. But thanks to meditation, I can rewire my brain and relieve the stress and tension naturally.

Meditation isn’t just a powerful stress reliever — it’s one of the best ways to reduce anxiety and stay in the present moment.

And the best part of meditation is that it doesn’t need to take a long time to feel the benefits — a short 5–10 minute meditation can do the trick.

Here is a link to a five-minute guided meditation you can do any time of the day.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the use of oils and natural herbs to promote well-being. Studies show that aromatherapy can reduce stress and relieve anxiety.

There are some herbs you might want to try to calm you down. Some of them are lemon balm, omega-3 fatty acids, green tea, valerian, and kava kava.

Using essential oils or burning a scented candle can also help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Some scents are especially soothing. You can get these scents by burning a candle or using essential oils through a diffuser. Here are some of the most calming scents:

• Lavender
• Rose
• Bergamot
• Orange or orange blossom
• Geranium

Epsom salt baths

Soaking and relaxing in Epsom salt infused with essential oils is also a great way to relax your mind and body.

I like to incorporate Epsom salt bath as part of my health regimen and soak 2–3 times a week. Every time I finish the bath, I feel like I’m a butterfly that just came out of its cocoon. All my stress and worries disappear like magic.

For maximum effectiveness, take an Epsom salt bath within an hour before your bedtime. It will not only help you relax your mind and body but also help you sleep better, too.

Connecting with people

Sometimes a simple social connection with friends and family is enough to get through bouts of anxiety. Research shows that being part of a socially supportive circle can boost a sense of belonging and self-worth.

One study found that people, especially women who spend more time with friends and children, release more oxytocin — a hormone that helps reduce stress and increase well-being. As I have a family with two children, spending quality time with my family, when we take nature walks, enjoy outdoor activities, and barbecues in our yard helps me unwind.

Another way I feel socially connected is through my writer’s group, where we encourage each other to succeed in our writing journey. And since writing is a new venture I’ve recently undertaken, being part of a group where we give each other feedback and support is valuable.

The bottom line

Our days are never predictable. Everyday life and events may not always unfold the way you expect them. When that happens, you may get restless and anxious. The key is to take anxiety under control before it takes over you. When I get anxious, I resort to natural methods to regain control and a sense of calm. The methods I use are meditation, aromatherapy, Epsom salt baths, and connecting with people.