Ways to Cope With Anxiety Without Medication

Living with anxiety is a constant struggle. New situations can be nerve-racking and sudden changes can throw off one's balance. While there are medications available to help with anxiety disorders, medication is not the only option. But remember, only one's doctor would know best.

Go Outside and Walk

• Anxiety and depression can be eased with good old Mother Nature. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercising at least 30 minutes a day can improve the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

  On sunny days, being outside in the fresh air can calm and distract the mind. Walking around the block and removing yourself from the current situation can help to dull rising anxiety. Being outside and exposing yourself to the sun, according to Mayo Clinic, can help serotonin and melatonin levels, which are thought to be involved in depression and anxiety.

  Going for a walk is a quick fix and works well on nice days.

Slow Down

• Slowing down and thinking about the present moment is a good way to stop your thoughts from spinning out of control. Learning to slow down is integral to interrupting anxiety before it can build to a full blown attack.

  When you're feeling anxious, ask yourself, "Where am I? What am I doing? What day is today? What am I wearing? What color are the walls?" Though they might sound like silly questions, asking them forces the mind to stop and answer each question, which in turn can distract you from the trigger of the anxiety.

Talk It Out

• Learning to contact someone in times of need is not an easy feat. One might feel too sad, too anxious, too busy or too alienated to want to call a friend or family member. Learning how to reach out is a good step in lessening anxiety.

  Set up a contact who can be trusted to be called upon at whatever hour. If an anxiety attack is brewing, this friend can be called immediately. Though the reason for the anxiety does not need to be talked about, simply removing yourself from the situation can slow down an impending attack.

  This can be the most difficult suggestion of them all, because speaking to another person might not seem optimal or comfortable. Learning to talk in times of need can be an integral tool as soon as one can become acclimated to the interaction.

Ask a Doctor

• These are but a few options available to help ease the symptoms of anxiety without medication. More options, such as talk therapy, light therapy and other types of holistic care might offer more relief, so contacting one's doctor to help find out which option is best is an important step to take.