Simple Non-Medicinal Ways To Relieve Anxiety

Regular exercise, CBD oil, over-the-counter supplements, and essential oils are all great non-medicinal methods to relieve anxiety naturally.

Everyone gets stressed out once in a while. For some people, that means chronic and anti-anxiety medications, but for others, medication is not the best option.

This is why doctors recommend non-medicinal ways to relieve anxiety.

How To Relieve Anxiety Without Medication

Here are four of the best non-medicinal ways to relieve anxiety and stress.

1. Exercise

Exercise is one of the best ways to relieve stress and anxiety without the use of prescription medications.

It lowers the body’s stress hormones (cortisol) and releases endorphins that can improve your mood. These endorphins also act as natural painkillers.

Exercise can also improve sleep quality, which can be a cause of stress and anxiety.

Activities such as walking regularly, taking a yoga class, jogging, or weight lifting can relieve stress and anxiety.

Setting small daily goals such as walking for 30 minutes every day is a more sustainable alternative to exercising for 2 hours twice a week; frequency is more important than intensity.

Finally, finding an exercise buddy is a good idea to help each other with accountability.

2. CBD Oil

Although it can seem like a medicinal way to relieve stress, the FDA does not classify CBD as a medicine.

CBD is not psychoactive, unlike its counterpart, THC, which is also harvested from the cannabis plant.

Researchers are currently studying CBD use for epilepsy, but in the meantime, CBD is available for stress and anxiety relief.

There are many ways to consume CBD, such as by using oil drops under the tongue or gummies that contain CBD.

However, one of the methods that are most popular is CBD vape pens. CBD pens offer a convenient way to consume CBD: inhalation.

Also, CBD pens are a better alternative to tobacco and may even help kick nicotine addiction.

3. OTC Supplements

For those who still need supplements to help with anxiety and stress without a prescription, lemon balm and omega-3 fatty acids will help.

Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, is known for its anti-stress properties.

A study conducted on medical students showed that omega-3 fatty acids decrease anxiety symptoms by up to 20%.

Other supplements that can promote anti-anxiety include green tea and valerian.

Green tea contains several antioxidants which have many health benefits and increase serotonin, decreasing stress and anxiety.

Valerian root is known as a sleep aid and can also lower anxiety due to valerenic acid.

All of these supplements are available online for a relatively low cost and require no prescription.

4. Essential Oils

Essential oils have become more popular over the years. They are extracted from plants and used in aromatherapy to interact with the body.

Essential oils stimulate certain areas of the limbic system and alter mood and behavior, which is why they can work for relieving stress and anxiety.

Lavender oil is especially popular for relieving stress, as well as sandalwood and bergamot. Rose oil can also be used to improve mood and reduce anxiety.

Methods of use vary, but the most popular way to dispense essential oils is via a diffuser. Diffusers disperse essential oils as a vapor so that they are absorbed over time instead of all at once.

For some people struggling with chronic anxiety, stress, or depression, prescription medications aren’t the best option.

However, exercise, CBD oil, OTC supplements, and essential oils are all great non-medicinal methods. These resources are proven to boost your mood, concentration, and self-esteem while inhibiting cortisol from making you stressed out.

If you’ve never tried something like CBD or OTC supplements, consider shopping online for a sample to test the product.