Anxiety can affect your life in ways you never thought possible, and that isn’t a good thing. Approximately 18.1% of the American population suffers from anxiety, while it’s estimated that 40 million people worldwide suffer from a diagnosed anxiety disorder.

If you haven’t lived with anxiety, you don’t know those negative thoughts can begin to consume you on a regular basis. For example, the appearance of anxiety in the psyche can account for even more serious mental health issues heightening or manifesting. Often, anxiety goes hand in hand with depression. Anxiety can also be a side effect of external factors like your family, friends, love life, or professional life.

Because anxiety is so widespread, there have been ways in which those who suffer from it have solace. It isn’t just medication that can help anxiety. In fact, there are many holistic ways in which we can approach anxiety. Just be sure that you visit and speak to a mental health professional to either have an anxiety disorder diagnosed, or consider what the best mode of treatment is for you.

Whatever you choose, know that you won’t have to live in an anxious state forever. It can get better if you decide to cope in healthy ways.

Deep Breathing

If you feel an anxious state coming on, or worse, an anxiety attack, you can stave off the worst of it if you find a way to control your breathing. Often, when anxiety attacks are impending, it’s hard to breathe and think straight. Before you come to this point, or even during an episode, you can calm down significantly simply with deep breathing exercises.

One of the best ways to do this is to focus, count how many breaths until you can again breathe normally, and continue breathing until you feel an attack has passed. Once you get good at recognizing the signs of an anxiety attack, you can catch it before it becomes full-blown. This is also a great technique if you’re planning on meditating to reduce anxiety.

Aromatherapy or Lavender

Aromatics can be a godsend for anyone suffering from anxiety. Lavender has natural ways of healing and relaxing the mind simply by smelling it. You may try a lovely lavender tea if you want to feel extra relaxed. Also, if you carry a lavender essential oil, you always have it to smell or physically put on your body if you need it. Alternatively, you can also keep a small bowl of lavender by your bed as you sleep at night.

Going for a Walk

Walks can miraculously clear the psyche. Just by moving your body, enjoying the silence, and breathing deeply and with intention, you can calm your anxiety. If you feel yourself becoming very anxious, put on your most comfortable leisurewear, walk down a street, path, or beach that you feel safe and comfortable being near. Walk until you feel calmer.

As long as you don’t wander too far and get lost, partaking in a leisurely walk is fantastic for those suffering from anxiety.