1 in 6 Australians suffer from some form of anxiety.
Did you know that anxiety is the most common mental health problem in Australia and that at least 3 million Australians are living with anxiety.
We all worry from time to time, but it usually doesn’t hinder our ability to keep living and focusing on what we need to do. It’s when our functionality is affected that it becomes something we need to address.
Herbs have been known and used for centuries to treat anxiety and stress, Herbs can help alleviate symptoms without the side effects some chemical prescribed medications may have. Here are some of the most recommended herbs to help relieve symptoms
- Lavender:
A herb known worldwide for its ability to help calm your nerves, you can have it either as tea or use it in aromatherapy.
- Skullcap:
Helps impact mood positively, known for 200 years as a mild relaxant.
- Lemon balm:
Known to help promote relaxation, enjoy it in a cup of tea or supplement form.
- Hops:
Helps quiet central nervous system, lower anxiety symptoms, and increase calmness
- Passion flower:
Helps lower the activity of some cells in the brain therefore making you relaxed
Of course herbs alone cannot, and will not resolve anxiety in an instant. There are additional lifestyle habits that can contribute to reducing anxiety symptoms. The key lies in healthy and balanced lifestyle
- Exercise Regularly:
Start by taking a 10 minute walk everyday and enjoy the fresh air outdoors. Preferably while the sun is out. Soak up that vitamin D, 2 birds with one stone!
- Healthy and Balanced Diet:
Fast food will always have a special place in our belly, but make sure to eat some greens and fruits as well.
- Quality > Quantity Zzz’s
Research has shown that 6 hours of deep sleep is better than 9 hours of interrupted one. In order to get high quality sleep, start by building healthy sleep habits such as:
- No electronic devices before bedtime
- Refrain from eating 4 hours prior to bedtime
- No alcohol and no caffeine before bedtime
- Social Connections
An apple friend a day keeps the doctor away. Humans are social creatures who need emotional connections. So reach out to loved ones and remind each other we are never alone.
Sources:
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2023). Prevalence and impact of mental illness. [online] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/mental-health/overview/mental-illness.
Focus on the Family Australia. (n.d.). Anxiety Disorders: An Overview. [online] Available at:https://families.org.au/article/anxiety-disorders-overview/?psafe_param=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4s-kBhDqARIsAN-ipH1HZ1HCmqwu831k_dEzGJfC1smqaFU2Hyu6ZhWLuNQwz4V7Xz0JPyMaAnzeEALw_wcB [Accessed 23 Jun. 2023].
Staner, L. (2003). Sleep and anxiety disorders. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience, [online] 5(3), pp.249–58. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3181635/.