There are prescription medications for anxiety and panic attacks but they are problematic. Some are meant to be used for emergencies only. Tranquilizers like benzodiazepines also lose their effectiveness over time. That means that over time you need to take more and more pills in order to get the same impact. This can not only lead to health problems but also can lead to new addictions.
Be that as it may, calming down and relaxing is important, even though our American work ethic frowns on it. Think of relaxing or calming down as exercise – instead of working out physical muscles, you’re working out your mental muscles. Do not worry about getting these ways to relax right. If you find yourself enjoying life more without additional chemicals then it works for you.
1: Meditation
People have been doing it for thousands of years. There are many forms of meditation but essentially it’s just a way of turning off the chatter in your head for a few minutes. Just focus on one thing for a few minutes – whether it’s breathing, washing the dishes or drinking a cup of tea. Meditation is not for everyone (such as this writer.) If meditation winds up frustrating you more than relaxing you, skip it and try something else.
2: Napping
Ah, the original relaxant. Anxiety is magnified when you are tired. Take a nap or at least try to take a nap in order to get your head together. Some offices will allow napping at your desk or in break rooms – as long as you don’t overdo it.
3: Walking
There’s an old adage in dog training – a tired dog is a good dog. Use up some of your excess energy by taking a walk. You’re not trying to train for a marathon, just walk until you start panting. It’s great to have a dog with you. Dogs think walks are better than Christmas mornings and their good spirits can be infectious.
4: Taking a Bath
Being tense can make calming down harder. Hot or cool, a bath helps to relax your muscles. Adding aromatherapy oil can also encourage you to take deeper breaths. Which brings us to …
5: Aromatherapy
Some scents encourage the sniffer to breathe deeply, which helps the body to relax. Oils which help include lavender, frankincense, myrrh and peppermint. Only use therapeutic grade oils, not the discount stuff only good for oil lamps.
6: Take a Deep Breath
Does your chest hurt when you experience anxiety? Do you feel about to faint? When we panic, we tend to take shallow breaths. The reduced oxygen makes panic worse. Take a deep breath to steady yourself.
7: Coloring Books
Remember coloring books? Weren’t they boss? Now that you’re an adult, there’s no reason why you still can’t enjoy coloring. You don’t need to stay in the lines. You just move the crayons or markers around until you feel calmer. There are coloring books for adults available at Amazon.
In Conclusion
There are many potential problems when relying on pills to help you relax. There are many drug-free ways to reduce stress and anxiety. If the ones described here don’t help you. Talk to your doctor or therapist for more suggestions.
Rena Sherwood
Latest posts by Rena Sherwood (see all)
- 7 Ways to Relax Without Chemicals - January 12, 2017
