|  | Mental Health | Anxiety Disorders

Natural Ways to Control Nervousness

Nervousness, also called anxiety, is a feeling of apprehension. Individuals suffering from anxiety may experience sweating or trembling. An increased heart rate is also common when one is feeling nervous, as is a sense of coming danger or even panic. A number of at-home remedies exist to help ease feelings of nervousness. If your feelings of anxiety are severe, consider visiting your doctor, as medication or therapy may ease your symptoms.

  1. Relaxation Techniques

    • When you are feeling anxious or nervous, find ways to relax yourself. Meditation may calm you down and help you deal with anxiety. Try a few simple yoga poses to relax. Use deep breathing techniques, or simply take a warm bath or a walk with a friend. Also try visualization techniques to imagine yourself in a more relaxed environment, suggests WebMD.

    Exercise

    • Exercise keeps you healthy, elevates your mood and may distract you from situations that make you nervous. Exercise also reduces stress, according to MayoClinic.com. Try to exercise five days a week to prevent anxiety. Do something you enjoy, from walking or biking to swimming or aerobics. When you are feeling nervous, try exercises that focus on breathing and form, such as yoga or tai chi.

    Diet

    • Dietary changes may improve your mood and reduce nervousness, notes MayoClinic.com. Eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes whole grains, plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and low fat dairy; avoid foods high in fat. Increase your intake of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids to boost your mood. These healthy fats are found in fish like salmon and cod, as well as in walnuts. Decrease or eliminate caffeine from your diet, as it may exacerbate the symptoms of anxiety. Caffeine is found in coffee, some soft drinks, tea and chocolate.

    Sleep

    • Getting enough sleep may help ease anxiety. Aim to get six to eight hours of sleep each night. If anxiety keeps you awake at night, try relaxation techniques to help you sleep. Take a warm bath or read a book before bed to distract yourself from your worries so that you can rest.

Anxiety Disorders - Related Articles