Anxiety is a very common problem experienced by many people. The symptoms can be very distressing, including heart palpitations, shortness of breath and feelings of impending doom. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce your anxiety, such as using natural remedies, making lifestyle changes, therapy, and medications.
One of the natural ways to reduce anxiety is to use cannabidiol (CBD). Studies indicate that the use of CBD can be very beneficial for reducing anxiety. Cannabis concentrates are made with pure organic hemp compounds, such as a CBD distillate.
Symptoms of anxiety
The symptoms of anxiety can vary from individual to individual, but they commonly include the following:
- Heart palpitations
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Trembling
- Dry mouth
- Feeling weak and tired
- Cold, sweaty hands
- Hot and cold flushes
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle tension
- Grinding of teeth at night
Anxiety symptoms can come and go. Sometimes you are not that aware of the symptoms as they can develop slowly over time. As everyone experiences symptoms of anxiety at some point, it can be hard to know when it becomes unhealthy anxiety. If you just ignore the symptoms, you may eventually find it makes it difficult for you to form or maintain relationships, try new things, hold down a job or enjoy your leisure time.
What can make your anxiety worse?
Beverages like tea, coffee, cola and chocolate contain caffeine which can make your anxiety worse. Try to limit the amount of caffeine you consume.
Nicotine and stimulant drugs can trigger your adrenal glands to release adrenaline. They are best avoided if you don’t want the glands to release this stress chemical.
Drinking alcohol can take the edge off your anxiety because it’s a natural sedative, but alcohol use disorder and anxiety often go hand in hand.
What can help you to feel less anxious?
Many practices, including exercise, eating a healthy diet, meditation, and using natural remedies, can help you to feel less anxious.
Exercise and a healthy diet
Exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet give you a better chance of controlling your anxiety. Exercise releases endorphins which will relax and calm your mind. If you eat a healthy diet, you get all the nutrients your body needs to deal with anxiety. For example, a magnesium deficiency can contribute to anxiety, so eating foods rich in magnesium can reduce it.
Meditation and mindfulness
Meditation is well known to relieve stress and anxiety. You just need to meditate for 30 minutes a day to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and reduce depression. There are many different types of meditation, including mindfulness meditation. For this type of meditation, you close your eyes, breathe deeply and pay attention to your thoughts as they pass through your mind. You observe them rather than becoming involved with them or judging them, seeing if you can identify any patterns.
Using CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound found in the Cannabis Sativa plant that can help with anxiety. Studies show that it interacts with receptors in the brain that regulate fear and anxiety-induced behavior. The dosage someone takes for anxiety will depend on the product and how they administer it. Orally administering CBD in the form of products like capsules can take 30 minutes to two hours to start working. Smoking or vaping CBD offers more immediate effects.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses natural plant extracts and essential oils to promote health and wellbeing. Essential oils are usually added to a warm bath or diffuser. Some of the essential oils that specifically relieve anxiety are lavender, bergamot, clary sage, and ylang ylang.
Herbal teas and supplements
Many herbal teas and supplements can help to reduce anxiety. For example, chamomile tea can alter levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. As some herbal supplements can interfere with medications, it is important to check before taking them.
When should you seek further help
Ongoing, severe anxiety can increase your risks of developing physical health problems, such as diabetes, heart problems, and stomach ulcers. If your anxiety prevents you from leading a normal life and is ongoing, you will need to get professional help. Medication and counseling may be necessary to prevent anxiety from completely disrupting your life.
When there is no underlying condition, like a thyroid problem, therapy is a common form of treatment. It can help you to understand what triggers your anxiety so you can make some positive lifestyle changes.
