Anxiety can be a gripping condition. It can cause feelings of panic, fear and agitation and interfere with sleeping and eating. Some people with severe cases of anxiety have chest pains that are similar to those of a heart attack. Controlling this problem sometimes requires prescribed medications. However, there are some other methods of controlling this life-altering problem.
Aromatherapy and Massage Therapy
Aromatherapy and massage therapy can help eliminate anxiety. Certain essential oils such as lavender and sandalwood are extremely effective for relieving anxiety. These essential oils can be used with massage therapy to reduce stress and relax tight muscles throughout the body. This can leave the person with a sense of whole-body wellness and an uplifted mood. To prove this, one study performed by Jennifer Edge in 2003 found that using aromatherapy and massage helps to improve relaxation and anxiety up to 50 percent. However, the study also found that massage and aromatherapy have to be used frequently for results to remain optimal.
Herbs
There are many different herbs that are available to help eliminate anxiety. According to the Mayo Clinic, kava is an herb that has been reported to help with relaxation. However, kava may cause liver problems, so only use this herb with your physician's approval. Valerian is another herbal remedy that might be helpful in decreasing your anxiety. Valerian is especially useful for a person who has difficulty sleeping due to anxiety because it has a sedative effect that allows you to drift off to sleep.
Lifestyle Changes
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are some very simple lifestyle changes that you can do to help eliminate anxiety. Getting daily exercise is the No. 1 way to control anxiety levels. Exercise can help you reduce daily stress levels and keep your body functioning properly. In addition, eating a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables is important. Fatty, overly sweet and processed foods can weigh you down and make you feel sluggish. Avoid alcohol because this it is a depressant to your system that makes recovery from anxiety attacks difficult. Another lifestyle change to implement is to get the appropriate amount of sleep that your body needs. This is essential to being able to control your anxiety levels.
References
- The Mayo Clinic: Generalized Anxiety Disorder;
- "The Nurse Midwifery: A Pilot Study Addressing the Effect of Aromatherapy Massage on Mood, Anxiety and Relaxation in Adult Mental Health"; Jennifer Edge; May 2003
