Natural Remedies for Anxiety

Unfortunately, anxiety is more than just a common buzzword in our complicated--and sometimes overwhelming--world. It's estimated that one third of Americans have or will experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetimes, and the number is only rising year after year. Let's talk about some practical and proven remedies that can help when anxiety hits.

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For Body

Magnesium Lotion

Magnesium calms muscles. It's a great remedy to use in a pinch, whether in lotion, supplement, or powdered form. For better quality sleep (and more regular bowel movements), opt for the powder or pill; but for a quick way to calm a sudden attack, you can use the lotion. For the best results, simply massage the lotion onto your skin right before going to sleep, and you'll wake up feeling relaxed and rejuvenated for the day. If you're not sure how your skin might react, test a little bit of lotion on a small area and see how it does.

Interestingly enough, it is estimated that half of the U.S. population is magnesium deficient. Comparing to the stat about anxiety that I mentioned above, it's a wonder how many of those cases could be effectively treated or prevented by proper magnesium intake. Obviously, this wouldn't be a cure-all for every case--but I'll talk about what is later on.

Lavender Essential Oil

This purple flower produces an earthy-scented oil that relaxes the body's nervous system, even acting as a mild anti-depressant with mild sedative effects. Massage a couple of drops of lavender on the soles of your feet, or drink an edible version of lavender in tea. Also, diffusing lavender and geranium together compounds those anti-anxiety effects, and smells. So. Nice. As with all essential oils, always dilute with a carrier oil and do a patch test to make sure you're not allergic.

Frankincense Essential Oil

This sweet-smelling aromatic oil opens the airway, allowing you to breathe deeply and relax your mind. Diffusing is definitely the way to go, so you can smell the calm in every room of your home.

Chamomile

Probably one of the most common remedies for uptight nerves, chamomile relieves anxiety and depression with a gentle scent that pairs well with honey, when used as a tea. The best way to take chamomile is by supplement, since it;s much more concentrated.

Peppermint

This zippy plant works a bit differently, because instead of producing a calming effect, it clears your head and improves focus and mood with its strong and fresh scent. The tea is delicious. The diffusing smells great. You get the point! You can also use peppermint topically, and you can even get a roller to carry with you, so you can keep the pep in your step all day!

For Mind

Anxiety doesn't have to take up your time. There are so many hobbies you can do to prevent or quell those unmistakable bad feelings. What do you enjoy? Do you like to draw, sing, dance, explore nature? You can find hobbies that get your mind off your anxious thoughts. In most cases, if you can get out of the house, you can get out of your head, so even something as simple as taking a walk would help tremendously.

Here are some great mind-building hobbies to take up if you don't know where to start:

• art (drawing, knitting, painting, etc.)

• sports

• walking/running

• nature walks

• photography

• cooking/baking

• playing an instrument

• journaling

• photography

• volunteering

Check out this list of even more hobbies that can help with anxiety!

For Spirit

So far, I've highlighted effective but temporary ways to deal with anxiety. But there is a way to have complete peace in even the worst situations or the worst attacks. And that is having a relationship with Jesus Christ. Everywhere we turn, we hear countless voices affirming self. You determine your own peace. You determine your own life.

But let me ask you this. How can you find peace in yourself if your own heart is full of turmoil and stress? It's like hoping for a michelin-star meal from a fast food restaurant. You'll be disappointed and sacrifice quality for a quick fix, every time. By trusting in ourselves, we settle for cheap, temporary, prideful, and sinful relief from anxiety. Anxiety is a spiritual problem, not just a mental health issue. Therapists are helpful, but if they aren't pointing you to seek the God of the universe, who made you, loves you, and wants nothing more than for you to turn from viewing yourself as your own god--then their work, while important, is a band-aid on a gushing wound.

How is anxiety a spiritual problem? The Bible says: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

and

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7)

If anxiety wasn't a spiritual issue, we wouldn't have to give it to God. In fact, not only should we do so, but He wants us to! Forbes states that well-being is a trend, and argues that there's more need for action because there's more awareness of mental health on an individual level. While this is true, the other piece of this puzzle is that we are each sinners living in a fallen world. When we try to live as if we don't need God, our pride grieves Him, and the consequences of it are evident in the statistics surrounding the prevalence of anxiety. Self-actualization hasn't solved anything, and anxiety continues to grip more people's lives every year.

But this God is so big that He can handle it. He is already in control of your life whether you seek to control it or not. He wants us to take immense comfort in the fact that His way is best, and that we can have true peace through Him alone. The peace He offers exceeds all understanding, which means we can't find it within ourselves, other people, or anything that we achieve. Explore more Bible verses about anxiety and give the Lord control of your life today.

Anxiety can leave you feeling trapped, scared, and numb, but it doesn't have to be the god of your life. By having a relationship with Christ and using the remedies the Creator has provided, you can trade fear for peace and anxiety for amity.

Get in the Word

God's words are alive, and they have the authority to transform your heart and mind. Read the Bible as much as you can, and even more importantly, believe it. Write your favorite verses down on note cards and place them where you can look at them regularly. Memorize them. You can calm your anxious thoughts at the source when you remind yourself who God is.

Pray

Just like the verses above say, go to God with your anxious thoughts. He is ready to hear and act on your behalf. Prayer isn't like summoning a magical genie to fix all your problems, but you can humbly talk with God and surrender your circumstances to Him, no matter how harsh.

Fellowship

Hang out with people that love Jesus. Just as Jesus encouraged His disciples and everyone He taught (well, except the self-righteous Pharisees), Christians also encourage each other in love and good works, so that we can keep fighting the good fight of faith no matter how difficult it becomes. Reach out to a friend and have coffee--even just a small amount of godly fellowship does a lot of good to your spirit.

Conclusion

Anxiety is a real issue that a lot of people struggle with. But it doesn't have to leave you feeling hopeless. With the power of God's Word and some natural remedies, it can become a smaller monster--one that you now have the right tools to fight against.

Sources

National Institute of Mental Health
National Library of Medicine
That's So Well