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Help for Anxiety Without Pills

Approximately 40 million Americans who are 18 or older suffer from an anxiety disorder. Anxiety can be devastating. It can trigger low self-esteem, cause people to lose their jobs, or even strain relationships. There are many ways to manage anxiety, and in many cases, it is possible to reduce or eliminate anxiety without taking pills.

  1. Reducing Anxiety With Exercise

    • Daily exercise is one of the most effective methods for reducing anxiety. Exercising releases beneficial neurotransmitters and endorphins that provide a feeling of well-being, and it also helps burn off excess adrenaline. A study by researchers at the University of Missouri, Columbia, shows even though all levels of exercise are helpful in combating stress, high-intensity exercise is best.

      It can be difficult to exercise when you find yourself in anxiety's grip. For a simple start, go for a walk, even if you can do it for only a few minutes. The important thing is to get your body moving. Keep going for short walks until you feel comfortable increasing your walking time. Gradually add hills to your walks to increase the intensity. Once your body is accustomed to exercising, add in additional activities such as running, racquetball, or other physical pursuits that interest you. Never go more than two days without exercising.

    Reducing Anxiety With Diet

    • The worst thing you can do to your body if you experience high anxiety is to eat sugary, refined foods. Eliminate all foods that contain more than 3 grams of sugar per serving, as well as all refined foods, such as pastries, white bread, white rice, and crackers. Eat foods that are as close to their original state as possible. Avoid processed foods altogether, especially if they contain excitotoxins such aspartame and MSG. Neurological surgeon Russell L. Blaylock, M.D., points out that excitotoxins can cause neurological disorders and are present in almost all processed foods.

      After about three weeks of eating natural foods that are low in sugar, you should notice a dramatic reduction in your anxiety.

    Reducing Anxiety With Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, also known as CBT, has proved to be effective in treating people with anxiety. CBT trains people to recognize anxiety-producing thought patterns and change them.

      Changing the way you think about life situations and anxiety symptoms can put you well on the road to recovery from anxiety, all without taking any pills.

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