From Breathwork To Meditation: Natural Ways To Reduce Anxiety

Millions of people across the globe struggle with anxiety. It’s become such a common mental health condition that it’s taken on a life of its own when it comes to different types of fear and worry people can experience. 

If there’s a silver lining to anxiety wreaking such havoc on the world, it’s that there are a variety of treatment and management solutions to keep it under control. 

Medication is often a go-to that people use to fight back against the effects of anxiety. But not everyone wants to go that route immediately. Others want to avoid medication completely, if possible. 

Thankfully, there are things you can do to reduce anxiety on your own naturally. Let’s cover a few of the best ways to safely and effectively manage your symptoms. 

Be More Mindful

Mindfulness has become increasingly popular over the last few years. But it’s more than just a buzzword. When done correctly, the practice of mindfulness can help you fight symptoms of anxiety and find more control in your life. 

Being more mindful involves staying focused on the present. It doesn’t mean anxious thoughts won’t still try to penetrate your mind. But, instead of dwelling on them, you’ll let them pass by without grabbing hold, like watching clouds drift by.

To practice mindfulness, close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Take slow, deliberate, deep breaths. Concentrate on how you’re feeling at that very moment. Listen to what’s around you. What do you hear? What do you smell? By staying in the present, you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed by the uncertainties anxiety likes to use to fuel fear. 

Find Moments to Meditate

Mindfulness and meditation often go hand-in-hand. There are misconceptions about meditation, thanks to how it’s been portrayed in the media over the years. But you don’t need to sit a certain way or perform any specific chants.

Rather, meditation is about focusing on your breathwork. It’s a great way to let go of worry and reduce stress and fear. If you’re not sure how to get started, consider using a guided meditation app to help you through the process. 

Stay Active

Exercise isn’t just beneficial to your physical health. It’s also a great way to maintain mental wellness and deal with symptoms of anxiety. You don’t need to run a marathon or hit the gym every day to reap the benefits. 

Instead, find a workout routine that interests you. Take a dance class. Pick up a sport. Take an evening walk with the family. The more enjoyable exercise is for you, the more likely you are to stick with it. 

Regular exercise helps to reduce stress. It also boosts serotonin within the brain — a chemical responsible for making you feel happier. 

Write It Down

Anxiety often feels worse when it’s allowed to swirl around inside your mind with nowhere to go. Talking to someone about how you’re feeling is one of the best ways to calm down. That’s especially true when you’re working with a mental health professional.

But what about those moments when there’s no one around to talk to? Or, maybe you’re not quite comfortable opening up about your feelings yet.

Journaling can help. Consider keeping a small journal with you wherever you go. If you feel a bout of anxiety coming on, write down exactly how you’re feeling. If possible, jot down what triggered the anxiety. Understanding the root of your anxious thoughts can often make it easier to overcome them.

At the end of the day, anxiety is often a very manageable mental health condition. But it’s not something you should try to go through on your own. While these natural solutions can help immensely, the best thing you can do is to work with a therapist. Anxiety therapy will help you get to the root of your anxiety and find more ways of coping with symptoms. Contact us to schedule a free consultation and learn more.