Anxiety: 3 Ways to boost your mental health naturally

Thanks to the pandemic sweeping the globe, we’re living in a time of unprecedented chaos and uncertainty. The perfect storm for an anxiety flare-up! While doctors can prescribe medication to help you manage the condition, there are many things you can do to naturally calm feelings of worry and stress. We’ve got just three of them that could help you cope.

Get moving

There are lots of studies that show that regular exercise can alleviate anxiety. In fact, it can even reduce the frequency of panic attacks. Much of this has to do that exercise has an effect on the neurotransmitters in your brain, particularly the “happy hormones” like serotonin and endorphins.

Fortunately, you don’t have to become a triathlete to dramatically improve your brain chemistry. Just 20 to 30 minutes of exercise a day has been shown to make a difference. This could be running on a treadmill or doing a little yoga in your lounge.  Even dancing to any music that makes you want to move can make all the difference. 

Take sleep seriously  

When we sleep, our bodies go into repair mode. A multitude of reparative processes takes place. This includes the balancing of hormones that have an effect on how we feel. Just ask anyone who hasn’t had enough sleep whether they feel better or worse in the coping skills department. However, not all sleep is created equally. Are you struggling to turn off or constantly waking up? That’s anxiety!  It’ll prevent you from enjoying enough deep, restorative sleep. This is the kind your body needs to heal.

Not keen on popping a sleeping pill? Consider taking something a bit more natural such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is a neurotransmitter that’s naturally present in your brain. It can calm your nervous system in a way that eases anxiety and creates an ideal “brain environment” for sleep. Interestingly, studies have shown that those suffering from insomnia tend to have low levels of GABA.

Take the right supplements

Did you know you can take natural supplements proven to alleviate feelings related to stress? One of them is L-Theanine. An amino acid naturally found in green tea, it can increase your brain’s production of alpha waves. This reduces feelings related to stress but won’t make you sleepy. It’s ideal for someone who really wants to relax, but still has work to do.

Another brilliant stress-buster is Felix, a high potency 100-percent pure saffron extract. Research shows it may balance your brain chemistry.  It does so in a way that supports those suffering from anxiety and depression. It may also improve your sleep, cognition and energy levels. Better yet, it contains carotenoids that serve as potent antioxidants.

The bottom line

We’re enduring a pandemic. It’s perfectly normal to feel anxious. Still, there are things you can do to help alleviate stress. These include getting a little exercise and ensuring you get enough good quality sleep. You can also take supplements proven to assist with anxiety and stress. Remember to be kind to others during this exceptionally difficult time, but also be kind to yourself. Together, we can work towards embracing a new normal.