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3 Unconventional Ways to Treat Anxiety

Anxiety

Over 40 million adults suffer from anxiety disorders in the United States. For some, it is debilitating. Not only does anxiety affect people mentally, but physically as well. That makes finding relief essential for those whose lives are controlled by fear and worry. While there are countless medications available to help reduce the effects of anxiety, some people shy away from this approach. The good news is, there are several natural and sometimes nontraditional ways to help reduce anxiety and reclaim your life. Keep reading to discover five of the most popular.

Animal Therapy

Animal Therapy

The world is full of animal lovers. They’re cute, cuddly, and mysteriously intuitive to our needs. If you’re looking for an enjoyable way to reduce anxiety and feel unconditional love, turn to pets and animals. From goat and puppy yoga to having a service dog for anxiety, these animals can help you forget about your troubles. Animals also encourage you to touch, caress, and snuggle them. Contact between you and another living thing can have a powerful effect on your mood. Animals are also fascinating to watch. This helps distract your mind from what’s troubling you.

Chow Down

snackingWhile it’s not recommended to eat your feelings, snacking can actually help reduce anxiety. Eating actually stimulates receptors in the brain that elicit feelings of happiness and pleasure. But be careful, in some instances, food can become as addicting as an illicit drug. When you eat regularly throughout the day, it helps keep your blood sugar levels at a healthy, steady level. This prevents a drop in low blood sugar, which can actually trigger anxiety and panic attacks. Try reaching for snacks high in protein, fiber, and vitamins like nuts, fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid foods high in saturated fats and sugar which are more likely to cause those dips and spikes in blood sugar levels.

Take a Whiff

Take a WhiffYour sense of smell is extremely powerful. More so than you might realize. And because of that, taking a whiff of certain scents can actually help reduce anxiety. How can a scent possibly help relax you? The fact is, the parts of your brain that help you identify scents are also the same parts that recall memory and emotion. Once your body associates a certain smell with a certain feeling, it’s much easier to revisit this same emotion each time you smell that familiar scent. Lavender is the most popular aroma associated with reduced stress. It’s also the fragrance most used at spas and salons for helping customers unwind and relax. The best way to incorporate this fragrance into your daily life? Try a candle, essential oils, fresh flowers, or even body or pillow spray. Spritz a little on your pillow before bed, keep a bottle of lavender oil in your pocket and when you feel your anxiety taking over, take a small whiff to help calm your nerves.

Reducing anxiety is about more than just taking medication or learning breathing exercises. The truth is, finding what works best for you is the true secret to curbing your anxiety and reclaiming your life. Try one of these unconventional methods and see if they help calm your mind and body. And keep experimenting to find new ways to manage your anxiety and live your best life.

Article Submitted By Community Writer

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