Three holistic remedies for combatting anxiety and stress

By MiNDFOOD

Three holistic remedies for combatting anxiety and stress
These simple holistic approaches could help ease the symptoms of anxiety and stress.

When anxiety or stress takes over the body, it can be hard to stave off feelings of helplessness, sadness or maintain any sort of calmness. Whilst there are various ways to assist you when you are feeling overwhelmed, (like these quick tips), it can also be helpful to know there are holistic ways to combat stress and anxiety.

Here are three of our favourites.

1. Get Moving

It may sounds counter intuitive because your body can feel trapped by your mind when anxiety takes hold, but getting up and out of the situation can help the nervous system respond appropriately. 

Try and do whatever feels right to you, whether that’s some deep stretching, a slow or brisk walk, or even a long run. Anything you can do to get your body moving – especially outside – can be hugely beneficial to your state of mind and assist the mind in reaching a calmer place.

Bridestowe Lavender Estate

2. Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is an incredibly versatile and useful holistic treatment for a host of health issues. From redirecting focus, to reducing stress and calming muscles, various herbs and flowers contain many soothing benefits.

Lavender essential oil is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic, anti-depressant and sedative. It is good for burns, inflammation, eczema, insomnia and nervous tension. Spraying some around the house or around your room when you’re feeling stressed or in need of relaxation can be a fantastic calming tool.

Bergamot and Marjoram have also been known to relax and provide relief from emotional pain, grief and relieve mild anxiety. Try adding a few drops to your shower gel, or bath, or carry around a bottle with a mix of your favourite scents to smell when you feel the dread creeping up on you.

Scents like citrus, geranium or pine can active your spirit, awaken you and focus your attention on the present.

3. Use spices

Use spices that warm the body; for example, star anise, basil, bay leaf, pepper, caraway, cardamom, chilli, cloves, dill, fennel, garam masala, ginger, mustard seeds, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, tamarind, tarragon and thyme. Whether you use them in calming hot beverages or warming soups, these spices can aid in everything from digestion, to calming the nervous system.

Enjoy the nourishing properties 
and aromatic flavours of chai tea with this simple homemade recipe.

More: Incorporate these daily stress-busting tips to lower anxiety levels and get you moving in the right direction again.

What stress is actually doing to your body and how you can prevent it.

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