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9 Natural Ways to Manage Stress + Anxiety

August 25, 2020
Shanika | Orchids + Sweet Tea

9 Natural Ways to Manage Stress + Anxiety

Stress + Anxiety are common ailments that many of us struggle with during some point in our lives. Whether they become present due to major life changes, rough moments, chemical imbalances, or other challenges; this list of 9 Natural Ways to Manage Stress + Anxiety can be an evergreen answer to reducing those unpleasant feelings.

Mug that reads \"Home Sweet Home\" wrapped in a knit fabric.

Disclaimer: We are a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to affiliated sites. However, I use all of the products listed below and recommend them because they are companies that I have found helpful and trustworthy.

I have been super intentional about dealing with Stress + Anxiety lately, especially during a time in the World where stress has been universal among all of us. Let's face it-----our new norm is pretty different and can be anxiety-inducing for some of us for sure.

That's why I created this list of 9 Natural Ways to Manage Stress + Anxiety.

During my time in quarantine, I've tried a few of these methods, most of which are my tried + true ways of coping whenever I feel the mount of emotions coming on for whatever reason.

If you've been an avid reader of Orchids + Sweet Tea, then you've probably come across my recent list of 20 Go-To Immune Boosting Home Remedies. It’s important to understand that simple everyday practices from exercise to sleep, eating healthy, hot steams, essential oils, and more; all play a role in strengthening your body’s entire system.

Shanika lying in bed reading a Crate & Barrel magazine.

What is Stress + Anxiety. How Common Is It.

Did you know that anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues in the U.S.? Yup. While some instances of anxiety can come from medical conditions which trigger a disorder, other instances are standalone anxiety.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorder affects 40 million adults in the U.S. which is 18.1 % of the population.

OK, so what is defined as stress + anxiety? Whelp, according to the Cleveland Clinic, stress is a normal reaction that the body has once changes occur. Basically, it's the body's reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or response.

When it comes to anxiety, it is basically defined as temporary worry or fear. Unfortunately, for many people, what should be temporary can become a reoccurring event which is described as an anxiety disorder.

Lemon slices on a wooden board with a knife.

While anxiety can be treated in various ways, especially Medically, I wanted to share some of the natural ways of reducing Anxiety + Stress, which I've both researched and tried myself.

9 Natural Ways to Manage Stress + Anxiety:

  1. Remain Active + Exercise.
  2. Aromatherapy.
  3. Deep Breathes.
  4. Writing + Practicing Gratitude.
  5. CBD Oil.
  6. Herbal Teas (Chamomile, Lavender, Peppermint, Lemon Balm, Green Tea, etc.)
  7. Practice Self-Care.
  8. Reduce Caffeine, Sugar, Processed Foods, + Alcohol.
  9. Therapy.
Shanika typing on a laptop while sitting in bed.

Aromatherapy.

Personally, I love essential oils and aromatherapy. This is one of my go-to remedies for a lot of ailments, including whenever I feel overly stressed or anxious.

Of course, it all depends on which scents work best for you, but overall, this method should offer you some relief.

Ultimately, I purchase a Diffuser and a few great essential oils that are calming, cleansing, and overall great for you health. A few great options of essential oils for anxiety + stress include Lavender, Rose, Jasmine, Chamomile, Bergamot, Ylang Ylang, Basil.

As a great starter, you can purchase this Ultimate Aromatherapy Diffuser + Essential Oil set which is really great.

Deep Breathes.

Studies have shown that taking slow, intentional deep breathes allows you to focus on your body calming and helps to reduce anxiety + stress. The trick is in breathing from your belly which creates the "deepness" needed to be effective.

Guide for deep breathing with steps: find your place, get in position, breathe, repeat, and timing.

If you're into reading, this book titled, Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor is a great option.

Herbal Teas.

This is definitely one of my faves! I love herbal teas. In fact, I grew up in a household and culture (Jamaican) where teas are a staple that's consumed every single day. Whether it's ginger, cerasee, mint, garlic, and more; teas are a big part of how Jamaicans remain healthy and strong.

While I've transformed my diet and lifestyle in so many ways, drinking teas have still remained.

Herbal Teas such as Chamomile, Lavender, Peppermint, Lemon Balm, Green Tea, among a few others, are a great way to naturally reduce anxiety + stress. Believe it or not, herbal teas play a huge role in keeping our Immune Systems in tact and ready to go!

A few of my personal favorite herbal teas are from my go-to brand, Stash Teas. Amazon has a great assorted option of their herbal teas, which I recommend.

Dropper above a bottle of essential oil.
Photo cred: Bloom

CBD Oil.

The newest craze, CBD Oil is one that offers many health benefits, including a great way to reduce stress + anxiety.

CBD is a derivative of the cannabis, or marijuana plant. Unlike the other forms of marijuana, CBD oil doesn't contain the main ingredient that creates that "high", which makes it a great option.

According to a small study just a few years ago, it found that CBD Oil could reduce symptoms of anxiety by changing the blood flow to the regions of the brain that controls feelings of anxiety.

Although more research is needed to fully depend on this oil as treatment entirely, this natural way of coping and reducing anxiety + stress seems promising.

Shanika with a mug.

Reduce Caffeine, Sugar, Processed Foods, + Alcohol.

Believe it or not, reducing caffeine, sugar, processed foods, + Alcohol is an important factor in not only keeping our bodies healthy, but also in reducing anxiety + stress.

For one, caffeine actually may cause nervousness and jitters, which aren't working in your favor when you are feeling anxious. Processed foods + sugar can definitely cause mood changes in some people. Whereas, Alcohol is a natural sedative, which can create a false sense of calm right after consumption, until things begin to settle and the alcohol comes back with a vengeance.

If you’re anything like me, and can admit that you are totally Starbucks-obsessed (or any type of coffee brand for that matter), then this post is a must read!

Anyway, I decided to do a bit of research and I found a few great healthy alternatives to coffee. Now, you’ll be surprised to know that these options give you the same added boost that you need along with some other additional benefits, so be sure to give them a try when you get a chance.

Picture of lemon slices with text: \"9 Natural Ways to Manage Stress + Anxiety.\"

5 Surprising All-Natural Ingredients to Great Skin + Recipes.

When it comes to face moisturizers or just moisturizers in general, there is often a craze to find the best, most expensive product that promises to not only lock in moisture, but soothe, prevent wrinkles, and remove blemishes in 1, 2, 3! 5 Surprising All-Natural Ingredients to Great Skin + Recipes.

3 Detoxes That You Should Be Doing More Often.

When it comes to natural home remedies, we often think that taking little steps won’t eventually bring us to the major milestones that we hope for. However, truth is–every big milestone occurs after several mini steps. Therefore, 3 Detoxes That You Should Be Doing More Often discusses some of the mini steps that you can take to ensure that your goal to ‘complete wellness’ happens before the year ends.

Jamaican Herbs That You Should Always Keep On Hand.

When it comes to herbs + plants, there are so many benefits to using them, especially when used for medicinal purposes. This list of Jamaican Herbs That You Should Always Keep On Hand + their Remedies showcases many popular (and not so well-known) herbs that fight everything from colds/flus to pain to acne; traditionally used by many Jamaicans for centuries.

9 Natural Ways to Manage Stress + Anxiety.

Xx, Shanika in script writing

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