Alternative anxiety treatment can be what you are looking for when you don’t want to take certain medications. Relaxation and finding ways to calm your mind can be just as beneficial as some prescriptions and are powerful when used alongside anything a doctor recommends. So, where do you begin? There are quite a few things you can try, even changing your diet and exercising more. But from CBD to being social, here are some ideal ways to get started.
Therapy without Antidepressants
Antidepressants are often prescribed for anxiety disorders. However, many people don’t like to take them because they have specific side effects. One of which is feeling nothing when doing something you should enjoy. However, there have been some breakthroughs with alternatives to common antidepressants such as Prozac. One example is ketamine therapy, which has been shown to demonstrate some powerful antidepressant effects without the usual side effects.
CBD as Alternative Anxiety Treatment
CBD is very widely used today and is available in many countries, such as the US and UK. The past few years have shown CBD oil to be effective at combating common issues such as anxiety, depression and insomnia. In one trial, almost 80% of users of CBD oil reported improvements in anxiety symptoms within the first two months. CBD is pretty expensive and hard to get on prescription, but it is worth looking into if nothing else is working for you.
Self Help and Expert Guidance
Sometimes, we just need a helping hand. Learning about yourself, your condition and how it can affect your life is a powerful first step to taking back control. There are many self-help books available that explain complex subjects related to being human. Books such as Stillness is the Key can help you take a step back and calm your mind. Sometimes, the world is full of noise, and it takes further understanding to realise that you are able to shut it out and regain control.
Complementary Therapies
While many believe complementary therapies are fringe science and offer little to no relief for most conditions, some doctors recommend specific treatments for specific conditions. If it can’t hurt, then there’s no reason to try, right? Popular complementary therapies for anxiety include massage, supplements such as 5 HTP, and Chinese treatments like acupuncture. It isn’t guaranteed that any of these will work, but it doesn’t hurt to try, and you may be surprised.
Alternative Anxiety Treatment through Relaxation
Around 6 out of 100 people are diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder, and not everyone wants medication. A calm mind is more able to fend off feelings of anxiety, and general wellness can help. Fortunately, there are a few relaxation techniques that can reduce anxious feelings:
- Slow diaphragm breathing will help relax the mind and the body.
- Guided meditation with calming visualisation also helps calm the mind.
- The 333 rule: look for three objects and three sounds and move three body parts.
- Grab a pencil and paper and calmly draw, focusing on what you are drawing.
- Hobbies like crafting, cooking and playing music can help reduce anxiety.
- Practices such as meditation, yoga, and tai-chi have proven effective.
- Walking in nature and getting fresh air increases feelings of calm.
You may benefit greatly from using just one of the methods above. Any of these are ideal for calming and relaxing. However, most people find a combination of two or more provides greater benefits. Of course, you just need to find the time to get around to them in today’s busy world!
The Power of Herbs and Spices
Herbs and spices have been used for thousands of years for all kinds of ailments. You could consider herbs and spices as the first medication. Beyond making your recipes taste amazing, there are many benefits that come with certain herbs and spices. For instance, if you experience anxiety because of chronic pain, herbs and spices such as turmeric, rosemary, and aloe vera are excellent for reducing inflammation. Some also don’t come with the gastro issue of NSAIDs.
How About Lemon Balm Oil?
Lemon balm oil is in a league of its own. Recent studies have found that lemon balm oil is very effective at combating feelings of anxiety when combined with other herbs. These herbs include valerian, hops and chamomile. You can use lemon balm in a similar way to CBD oil. Between 300 and 600 mg, three times per day is recommended. If you have sleep anxiety, lemon balm oil in valerian tea is very effective at getting you to sleep and ensures you stay asleep longer.
Social Alternative Anxiety Treatment
Anxiety can catch you in a tormenting cycle. Many people become anxious when they need to be more social than usual. However, a survey in the UK found that 25% of people with loneliness feel more anxious. So it can feel like there is no hope and you can’t win. But that isn’t true. You will find that you become less anxious when you are social, and it gets easier over time. Getting out of your comfort zone is a powerful way of reducing tension and anxiety.
Healthy Diet and Regular Exercise
It’s human to seek comfort in the things we recognise and where we feel safe. Food and unhealthy hobbies are two of the most common. However, eating the less-than-healthy food you love to overcome strong emotions will cause severe health problems. Combined with staying inside and not exercising, you can experience cardio issues, even at a young age. Evaluating your diet and making efforts to exercise clear your mind and boost hormones like serotonin.
Summary
Therapies that don’t involve antidepressants such as using ketamine under medical supervision, is becoming a popular alternative anxiety treatment. Other methods include medication, practices such as yoga and breathing exercises. However, diet also plays a key role. Instead of reaching for comfort food, it is healthier to evaluate your diet and make a plan to exercise. Healthy food and exercise provide the serotonin oot you need to combat negative emotions.