Now more than ever people are asking questions about how to reduce stress or anxiety, as they become more aware of the importance of their mental health.
Stress and anxiety rank in the top 5 of the most common mental health issues today.
And society is finally but slowly lifting the taboo on discussions of mental health struggles.
If you take a look at the available statistics online, you may well be shocked at how many people experience stress which in turn impacts their mental health.
Those who are suffering from stress and anxiety may find some form of relief by making sure they get proper nutrition, which consists of essential vitamins and minerals.
Here are 8 natural supplements that are available, which can help with mild to moderate anxiety symptoms and stress.
Vitamin B Complex
Vitamin B complex supplements generally contain all of the eight B vitamins known for improving heart and brain health.
These supplements can help in lowering work related stress symptoms, such as tiredness, irritability and depression.
The B family of vitamins is not only extremely important for your health, it is also beneficial in helping to reduce anxiety levels.
Chamomile
Chamomile is probably better known for its calming effects.
This flower that looks a bit like the common daisy, contains apigenin, which is a chemical compound that closely resembles the properties of anti-anxiety drugs known as benzodiazepines or benzos.
Taking chamomile as a supplement helps address the conditions that can lead to stress and anxiety, such as relaxing the muscles, improving sleep, and regulating the heart rate.
It can also help in reducing the symptoms of depression.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3s are one of the most popular supplements on the market.
They help to treat a multitude of health problems and are also beneficial for our mental wellbeing.
Omega-3 fatty acids are closely linked to our mental health, as people that suffer from low levels of omega-3 fats are at a higher risk of developing anxiety and depression.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm has been around for medicinal purposes for over 2,000 years.
Within that time, it has been used to relieve stress and mild to moderate anxiety.
It is also used to help improve sleep quality, which can then lead to lower stress and anxiety levels.
Lemon balm has also been credited for its calming and soothing effects, making it ideal for those of us who want to reduce stress and relax.
Supplements containing this herb can help lower the harmful stress hormones while boosting your mood.
Vitamin D
One of the functions of vitamin d related to mental wellbeing is its mood regulating effects.
It is also beneficial to nerve and brain health.
Vitamin d is also known to be helpful in relieving symptoms of anxiety.
If you don’t get an adequate amount of daily sunshine which provides your required dose of vitamin d, you can be left feeling depressed and moody.
There are a number of vitamin d supplements available in various forms, in-case you are not able to get access to regular sunshine.
Melatonin
Most of us would probably agree that not having enough sleep is one of the common symptoms of getting stressed.
Not sleeping properly could mean that your body is not producing enough melatonin; this is the natural hormone that regulates our circadian rhythm or our sleep-wake cycle.
Taking supplements that contain melatonin can help to improve your sleep, leading to having lower stress levels and better mood.
And by getting enough sleep you can also boost your mental sharpness and focus, and make you more relaxed.
Magnesium
A mineral that plays a major role in our health is Magnesium.
It’s a component that’s necessary for almost every bodily function, including regulating anxiety.
Magnesium supplements can aid in improving the symptoms of anxiety and stress along with creating a sense of calm, as it helps to relax the tension in our muscles.
Stress and anxiety can also cause other problems such as headaches and migraines.
Therefore, taking magnesium supplements can help towards preventing migraines, as well as protecting the heart from increased stress.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a herb that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for a long time.
It is used for calming anxiety and stress along with its many other benefits.
Ashwagandha supplements can help reduce cortisol, which is our primary stress hormone.
Please be aware though, that while taking stress and anxiety supplements can be beneficial, people diagnosed with depression or anxiety disorders should discuss their dosage with their doctor.
Coming across anxious or stressful situations are always going to be a part of our lives.
But it’s the way we cope with them that counts.
Supplementing important nutrients is just one of the ways we can help to ease the symptoms of stress and anxiety.
How to Reduce Stress with Supplements