So many people in this world suffer from anxiety and depression, I have struggled with anxiety for years and until recently, I would just let it work itself out which is not the best way to handle. At least in my opinion, you need to either decide on medication or find alternative forms of treatment. The past year or two I have found so many all natural ways to fight anxiety, which work wonders. I am a big believer in any natural remedy. I think many people in this world are over medicated and should look for alternative methods before taking the prescription route. Don’t get me wrong, there are times when prescription medication is the best route, so speak to your physician and find the best solution based on your needs. 

People are so fearful to talk to a doctor about their anxiety or depression because I feel in this country, we always want to put on a brave face and pretend it doesn’t exist or it won’t happen to us, plus many people worry what others will think if they admit they don’t have it all together. Other people’s opinion is their problem not your own. What concerns me is that people feel ashamed and won’t reach out for help. Please, never let the fear of what someone will think about you, prevent you from reaching out for treatment. Life is so precious and beautiful and there is always hope if you allow yourself to be vulnerable enough to talk to someone. Each day can be a new start. 

I hope some of these tips will help at least one person. God loves all of us no matter what our struggles are. You may feel like there is no hope or the anxiety will never stop, but just remember that tomorrow is another day to turn it all around. 

Foods that help with anxiety:

Blueberries
Bananas
Cheese
Kale
Kiwi
Turkey
Cashews
Dark Chocolate
Oats
Avocado
Coconut oil
Raw Honey
Cinnamon

Foods to avoid:

Sugar
Caffeine
Soy
Artificial flavors

Coping mechanisms for anxiety and depression:

1. Yoga is my favorite

2. Walking 20 minutes a day or when an attack happens; Even a quick walk will help.

3. Forest bathing- is when you get out in nature and reconnect to your environment.

4. Hiking is a great way to introduce yourself to forest bathing.

5. Accupuncture

6. Breathing in through your nose slowly hold it for a few seconds then blow the hair back out of your mouth. Do this 5 minutes a day to help release anxiety

7. Read a book

8. Do a puzzle

9. Start a new hobby

10. Netflix and chill- sometimes we just need to turn off the rest of the world. 

11. Adopt a pet- animals are one of the best ways to help with depression and anxiety. How can anyone be sad around a puppy or kitten.

12. Turn up the music and dance by yourself. Dancing is a great way to release anxiety. 

13. Watch funny movies- I have watched Step Brothers like 60x and I still laugh every time. 

14. Volunteer at an animal shelter, nursing home, or homeless shelter. When you see others that are still fighting the fight, you will be appreciative of what you have.

15. Saffron- dried extract in 30mg is just as powerful as Prozac.

16. Take a few days away from your normal routine. Go on a weekend getaway,  even if it is only a few towns over from home. Take a night or two in a hotel room and let someone else wait on you for once. 

17. Cut back on caffeine which can deplete your serotonin levels. 

18. Take a break from social media. All of the negativity can cause anyone anxiety.

19. Buy flowers for the home and stop and smell the roses or whatever your favorite flower is. 

20. Call your best friend to vent. 

21. Take an epsom salt bath with a few drops of lavender or rose essential oil. 

22. Buy a salt lamp which can help purify the air and help with relaxation. Poor quality air affects your overall mood and health.

23. Start planning out your days and stay on schedule.

24. Get a massage. 

25. Hit the gym. 

26. Lay out your clothes and everything you need for work the night before, fill up your gas tank and have breakfast before work. Rushing can cause major anxiety. 

27. Take Vitamin C. 

28. Take magnesium supplement. I like to take 400mg a day.

29. GABA- helps regulate the central nervous system. Taking 500 mg a day can help with anxiety busting. GABA also helps with insomnia, depression and inflammation in the body.

30. Vitamin B12 helps with improving your energy which in turn helps improve your mood.

31. Ashwagandha is medicinal herb I take which comes in my monthly package of Care/of vitamins. Click on the photo below to get your own pack each month. It helps balance your hormones, thyroid and stabilize blood sugar levels. 

31. Use the 7/11 technique: Breathe in 7 seconds from your diaphragm then out 11 seconds. Make sure to expel all of the air out of your lungs before starting all over. Do this until you feel the anxiety going away.

32. Each morning before getting out of the shower,  turn your water to cold for a few minutes. Cold water has so many great benefits and improving your mood is at the top  of the list. 

33. Hang a eucalyptus plant in the shower. The steam will release the scent, which can help with anxiety and depression, as well as open up your sinuses for better breathing.

34. Blow bubbles. Yes I said blow bubbles. It is a great way to release tension and doing things we did as a kid can do wonders for our mood. 

35. Listen to spa music

36. I am a big believer of essential oils. A few I love for anxiety are: Rose, Ylang Ylang- makes me happy, Bergamot
Chamomile, and Lavender is great for relaxing your mind.