While a certain amount of anxiety will creep into everyone's life, there are some easy home remedies you can employ to help your body relax.
Home Remedies From the Cupboard
Almonds. Soak 10 raw almonds overnight in water to soften, then peel off the skins. Put almonds in blender with 1 cup warm milk, a pinch of ginger, and a pinch of nutmeg. Drink at night to help you relax before going to bed.
Baking soda. Add 1/3 cup baking soda and 1/3 cup ginger to a nice warm bath. Soak in the tub for 15 minutes to relieve tension and anxiety.
Oil. Sesame oil is great, but sunflower, coconut, or corn oil will work, too. For a wonderful, anxiety-busting massage, heat 6 ounces oil until warm, not hot. Rub over entire body, including your scalp and the bottoms of your feet. A small rolling pin feels marvelous! Use the oil as a massage before the morning bath to calm you down for the day's activities. If anxiety is keeping you awake, try using it before you go to bed, too.
Home Remedies From the Refrigerator
Celery. Eat 2 cups celery, onions, or a mixture of the two, raw or cooked, with your meals for a week or two. Both vegetables contain large amounts of potassium and folic acid, deficiencies of which can cause nervousness.
Onion. See celery, above.
Orange. The aroma of an orange is known to reduce anxiety. All you have to do to get the benefits is peel an orange and inhale. You can also drop the peel into a small pan or potpourri burner. Cover with water and simmer. When heated, the orange peel will release its fragrant and calming oil.
Orange juice. For a racing heart rate associated with anxiety, stir 1 teaspoon honey and a pinch of nutmeg into 1 cup orange juice and drink.
Home Remedies From the Spice Rack
Rosemary. Used in the Middle Ages to ward off "evil spirits," rosemary has a calming effect on the nerves. Make a tea by adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of the dried herb to 1 cup boiling water; steep for 10 minutes, then drink. Inhaling rosemary can be relaxing, too. Burn a sprig, or use rosemary incense to ease anxiety.
Do Remember
Keep a diary to track -- and then eliminate -- events that might trigger anxiety. Also make note of foods, as some of the things you eat may be responsible for the symptoms.
Indulge in noncompetitive exercising, such as walking, bicycling, or swimming. It's good for you, both physically and emotionally.
Meditate, pray, or indulge in a mental flight of fantasy. Do whatever it takes to give your mind a break.
Breathe in, breathe out. Slowly, deeply. This is relaxing.
Chat with a friend, a psychotherapist, a clergyman. Talking about your anxiety can relieve it.
Make a mental list and check it twice. It doesn't matter what's on the list. This is simply an exercise in repetitive thinking that can distract you from what's causing the anxiety.
