Anyone who has ever suffered from anxiety knows how suffocating it could be. Whether this anxiety is a response to stressful situations like workplace conflicts or experiencing difficulty like financial or family trouble, anxiety can leave you feeling worried, agitated or make you feel as though you’re drowning. While many learn to be productive despite their anxiety, in many cases anxiety can have debilitating effects such as panic attacks, shortness of breath and other mental health challenges. Of course these are extreme cases and many people who do suffer from these extreme cases find help in various medications, However, medication isn’t for everyone. Accordingly, many people tend to explore alternative therapies. Here are the three best ways to manage your anxiety without the use of drugs.
CBD oil – One therapy gaining more traction in the battle against anxiety is the use of cannabidiol (CBD) oil. Recent studies suggest that the extract can have a positive impact on those who struggle with frequent bouts of anxiety. CBD oil is only one of the many compounds found in cannabis plants. Although there is a misguided notion that CBD users will experience a “high”, nothing could be further from the truth. CBD oil is non-psychoactive, meaning that it will not give users the altered state brought about by smoking or otherwise ingesting marijuana. CBD oil works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system – a system that helps you regulate your mood and ability to relax. Considering its relative newness, many people are still unsure of how to use cbd oil. However, there is plenty of trustworthy information available online.
Proper nutrition – The importance of proper nutrition to our mental health cannot be understated. We frequently think of neurons as those brain cells that take up, process and pass on information allowing us to respond to our environments. However, there are also millions of neurons in our guts. It’s no wonder that we feel anxiety, those so-called “butterflies”, in the pits of our stomachs as well. It should come as no surprise then that our diet has a huge bearing on our moods. To help improve your mood through nutrition, include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Also, opt for whole grains and foods that are high in fiber.
Limit caffeine and alcohol – There is an unmistakable link between the overconsumption of alcohol and caffeine and the prevalence of anxiety. Apart from the fact that people with anxiety disorders have a higher rate of drug and alcohol abuse than those without these disorders, alcohol or drug abuse can also fuel these anxiety disorders. On the other hand, caffeine’s stimulant properties can mean an amplified anxiety experience. The reason for this is that caffeine can stimulate your “fight or flight” response or even trigger an anxiety attack. Managing your anxiety means looking closely at how many of these stimulants we ingest on a daily basis.
Anxiety can feel overwhelming when it strikes. You can feel as though your world is closing in on you and that you have no escape. However, the good news is there is a lot that we can do to help lower our anxiety level while also reducing our chances of an anxiety attack.
