Feelings of anxiety pop up for many people from time to time. Anxiety may result from potentially stressful life events, from taking an exam to meeting with the boss. These personal troubles can sometimes become stress and strain that spill into other parts of your life. These techniques and exercises are designed to refresh your body and clear your mind, thereby helping to reduce anxiety.
Massage
Massage therapy is offered in clinics and hospitals, but it is also made available by companies for their employees and by airports for travelers who need relief from stress. Massage therapists use pressing, rubbing and manipulating motions to get built-up tension out of muscles, tendons and ligaments. Massage can be particularly beneficial due to its soothing techniques and from the personal connection a person has with his therapist, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Acupuncture
The ancient practice of using needles to stimulate areas of the body and restore the flow of the body's energy shows promise for treating anxiety, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA). The relaxing effects of acupuncture may lower blood pressure and decrease the heart rate to reduce stress levels, according to MeTheDoctor.com, a health website.
Relaxation Techniques
The various poses, breathing exercises and meditative techniques used in yoga can ease anxiety, the Mayo Clinic says. This form of meditation helps relieve stress levels and restore energy to the body, adds MeTheDoctor.com. Yoga also reduces symptoms of depression associated with anxiety disorders. Yoga exercises are often done with other people in groups, so it increases social interaction that helps alleviate stress and anxiety. Meditation can be done sitting alone in a chair or lying down in bed. When you put yourself in a deep state of relaxation, it helps relax the body and clear the mind. Visualization is a meditation technique in which you close your eyes and imagine you are in a calm, peaceful place. Hear the sounds and visualize the sights that surround you for a calming effect.
Kava
Kava, a plant found in the South Pacific, shows promise for its effectiveness in treating anxiety and improving moods, the ADAA says. Kava has been used to help people to sleep and to fight fatigue. It is usually prescribed in tablet form. It has been shown in scientific studies to help in the management of anxiety, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. However, kava supplements have also been linked to a risk of severe liver damage, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says, so consult a doctor before you begin taking this supplement.
Lifestyle Changes
Focusing on a healthy lifestyle helps reduce anxiety, the Mayo Clinic points out. Eat a healthy diet and avoid saturated fats, processed foods and sugary products. Eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins. Avoid alcohol, which can intensify anxious feelings. Get plenty of daily exercise with a regular routine that can be as simple as walking or bicycling. Exercise helps reduce stress that causes anxiety and improves moods, the Mayo Clinic says.
