Mental Health Awareness: Naturopathic Strategies for Stress and Anxiety
In today’s fast-paced world, stress and anxiety have become all too common, affecting millions of people worldwide. Stress and anxiety can become so second-nature that you almost don’t even realize how dysregulated your nervous system is until something significant happens and it becomes clear that something needs to change. We want to avoid this crash and you can utilize the suggestions below to get you started and help with a natural stress and anxiety relief approach!
While there are various conventional treatments available, many individuals seek natural alternatives to alleviate their symptoms and promote overall well-being. Naturopathic medicine offers a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of stress and anxiety, focusing on natural remedies and lifestyle modifications. As a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) practicing in Santa Barbara, I’m passionate about raising awareness of these effective strategies.
6 Best Natural Stress and Anxiety Relief Recommendations
1. Mind-Body Techniques
I like to suggest that my patients find something daily, weekly and monthly that can be implemented into their regimen to intentionally reduce stress. This could be daily journaling or meditation, weekly hike with a friend and monthly massage or hot tub, or one of my amazing Craniosacral Therapy Session as examples.
Incorporating mind-body techniques such as meditation, yoga, craniosacral and deep breathing exercises can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology suggests that mindfulness meditation can help individuals manage anxiety by promoting relaxation and enhancing self-awareness. By calming the mind and body, these practices can improve overall mental health and drastically reduce stress and anxiety naturally.
3. Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to alleviate stress and anxiety. Herbs like passionflower, ashwagandha, and chamomile, among many others, have shown promising results in clinical studies for their anxiolytic properties. According to a review published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, these herbs can help regulate neurotransmitters and hormones associated with stress response, offering a natural way to promote relaxation and alleviate stress.
4. Nutritional Support
Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in mental health. Consuming a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and whole grains provides essential nutrients that support neurotransmitter function, blood sugar stabilization and mood regulation. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil have been linked to reduced anxiety symptoms. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that omega-3 supplementation significantly decreased anxiety scores in participant.
5. Lifestyle Modifications
Making lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques can have a profound impact on mental health. Physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters, while sufficient sleep allows the body to rest and recharge. Furthermore, managing stress through techniques like time management and setting boundaries can help prevent chronic stress from taking a toll on mental well-being, as mentioned above.
6. Professional Guidance
Consulting with a Naturopathic Doctor who specializes in mental health can provide personalized guidance and support. A comprehensive evaluation of individual health history, lifestyle factors, and underlying imbalances allows Naturopathic Doctors to create tailored treatment plans that address the specific needs of each patient. Through a combination of natural therapies and lifestyle modifications, Naturopathic Doctors empower patients to take control of their mental health, naturally relief stress and anxiety, and most importantly achieve long-term well-being.
I am currently accepting new patients and would love to partner with you to help you optimize mental health and well being. Simply reach out below:
Remember, your mental health matters, and natural health approaches offer effective, long-lasting treatments for holistic well-being. You can achieve your best health yet, freeing you from the cage of stress and anxiety. Request a discovery call with me today so we can discuss how I work with my patients to optimize their mental wellbeing or start with a stress reducing cranioscaral therapy session. You don’t have to be an existing patient to book. Just contact us via text 805-865-7255, call 805-620-7122 or email us.
References:
– Kabat-Zinn, J. (2003). Mindfulness-based interventions in context: Past, present, and future. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 10(2), 144-156.
– Sarris, J., McIntyre, E., Camfield, D. A., & Plant, N. (2013). A comprehensive review of the efficacy of S-adenosyl-methionine (SAMe) for depression. Journal of Affective Disorders, 148(2-3), 291-300.
– Su, K. P., Matsuoka, Y., & Pae, C. U. (2015). Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in prevention of mood and anxiety disorders. Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience, 13(2), 129-137.
– O’Brien, K. M., & Genuis, S. J. (2015). Rationale for considering gluten-free diets for psychiatric disorders. Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, 2016.
– Stough, C., Lloyd, J., Clarke, J., Downey, L. A., Hutchison, C. W., & Rodgers, T. (2001). The chronic effects of an extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on cognitive function in healthy human subjects. Psychopharmacology, 156(4), 481-484.
