The times they are a’ changing. And guess what? It’s completely normal to feel anxious about what’s going on. Anxiety is a normal human response to change, to threat, and to crisis. We wouldn’t be human if we didn’t feel some sense of unease in our current climate.
But I’m here to tell you that there are real, concrete steps you can take to keep calm and carry on.
Try these simple steps to shift your energy from anxiety to serenity. Dare I say, even to possibility….
10 Ways to Kick Anxiety to the Curb
1. START TAKING B VITAMINS. B vitamins are an all-natural mood booster, energizer, and equalizer. A quality B complex from a good brand such as Metagenics, Udo’s, or Thorne will do the trick.
2. EAT FOODS RICH IN B VITAMINS. Hedge your bets and add these nutritional powerhouses to your diet. Foods rich in B vitamins include leafy greens, legumes, sweet potatoes, avocado, and almonds.
3. VITAMIN D. This vitamin is an underrated superhero. It helps your body absorb other vitamins, and has tons of benefits in its own right (including immunity). Bonus: getting a daily dose of fresh air and sunshine works wonders for your mental health.
4. GET ENOUGH SLEEP. This is central to your Buddha journey. Get enough sleep!! Period.
5. UP YOUR MAGNESIUM. Rather than taking yet another supplement, gravitate to all-natural magnesium sources: alkaline water, epsom salt baths, leafy greens, nuts and seeds. Oh yeah, and dark chocolate (yes, chocolate!!).
6. MEDITATE. I know you’ve heard this one before, but even if you’re skeptical, give it a try. It really does feel great to unplug and reboot your system. A few minutes a day can help you gain a world of perspective.
7. PRACTICE GRATITUDE. Every day, write out one thing you’re grateful for on a sticky note. Place it on a wall or bulletin board, and watch that gratitude journey build into something beautiful.
8. TAKE A BREAK FROM THE NEWS. I promise you this: if something important happens, you’ll know about it.
9. BE MINDFUL OF INFO-BESITY. Be aware of binge watching, especially if that binge watching includes programs that are violent, melancholy, or include an endless stream of bad news. Is your screen time enhancing or detracting from your state of mind? It’s a great time to read and watch material that fills your cup.
10. EXERCISE DAILY. Walk, run, skip, dance, jump, play. Just move. Every day. It’s the foundation of everything else on this list!
Most of all, remember that we’re in this together. Despite the immense challenges of the present, we’ve never seen so many beautiful examples of human survival, generosity, and triumph.
We are much, much stronger than we think.
Heather Martin is a Naturopath & Wellness Coach living in Montreal, Canada. She is the founder of The Acorn Wellness and lectures on the topic of accessible wellness for all. Heather has contributed to various publications, including Mantra Mag and the Globe & Mail. Her first book, The Wheel of Wellness, will be published later this year.
