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Stress, anxiety, and depression are immensely common in our fast-paced, modern world. It’s not like disrupting our circadian rhythm in the name of a job, or stress from family, social media, etc., have anything to do with it either (insert sarcasm.) While medication and therapy are effective treatments for these conditions, many people seek natural remedies as a first line of defense. Whatever treatment you decide works best for you is absolutely what is best for you. Don’t let others diminish ways that help you, regardless of what they are. In this blog post, we’ll explore some natural remedies that can help alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.

1. Exercise

Regular exercise is one of the best natural remedies for stress, anxiety, and depression. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. It also helps reduce cortisol, a stress hormone that can contribute to anxiety and depression. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking, jogging, or cycling, most days of the week. I make it a point in my mental healthcare to exercise 2-4 times a week. Sometimes I really have to force myself to start, but once I get it done, I really feel better!

2. Mindfulness meditation

Mindfulness meditation involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve overall well-being. There are many free resources available online to help you get started with mindfulness meditation. I’m probably alone on this one, but I have yet to master meditation. I have 4 kids and a busy busy mind. I can never seem to quiet my mind or environment long enough. But I definitely agree that clearing your mind and focusing on your breathing can help ease stress and anxiety.

3. Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy involves using essential oils to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Lavender, chamomile, and ylang-ylang are all popular essential oils that have been shown to have a calming effect. You can use them in a diffuser, add them to your bath, or apply them topically (diluted with carrier oil). I’ve been using essential oils since the beginning of my natural living journey, and I truly love them. I only use it as needed, as I believe essential oils have strong medicinal properties. Always make sure when using essential oils are safe when used around children, pets, pregnant/breastfeeding women, and those with certain medical conditions. Here is a great resource for essential oil education.

4. Herbal supplements

Certain herbs have been shown to have a calming effect on the body. These include:

• Ashwagandha: an adaptogenic herb that may help reduce stress and anxiety
• Lemon balm: an herb that may calm your mood, encourage relaxation, and help ease stress
• Passionflower: a herb that may help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation
• Cannabidiol: a phytocannabinoid derived from hemp, this may help relax the mind and body, promote positive mood, and ease anxiety

5. Yoga

Yoga is a mind-body practice that combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation. It has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve overall well-being. I personally love yoga. I have done it for stress, flexibility, and strength. The best part is you can choose to take yoga classes in your area OR my personal favorite since I have four kids I’d have to find care for, YouTube is a fantastic resource for free yoga videos!

6. Social support

Social support from friends, family, and community can be a powerful natural remedy for stress, anxiety, and depression. Make time for social activities and connect with others regularly. Or take some time once a week to really connect with a trusted friend or family member who you can openly talk to about what is on your mind. This doesn’t replace therapy by any means, but it’s truly wonderful to get things off your chest every once and a while. And if you don’t have anyone to trust or go to, I have personally found trusted online communities to be very helpful. Find what works for you!

In conclusion, there are many natural remedies available to help alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. Many of these remedies can be incorporated into your daily routine. This can be helpful in managing and alleviating stress and anxiety. However, if you are experiencing severe symptoms, it is important to seek professional help.

You are not alone

You can get through this

You are doing an amazing job

And please remember, take it one second/minute/hour/day at a time.