Anxiety can be a huge inconvenience whether you experience it on a mild level, or if it is a long-term condition. Whichever of these categories you fall into, you probably still look for ways to get rid of or lessen the most irritating symptoms: headaches, light-headedness, nausea, and trouble sleeping due to increased heart rate, higher body temperature, and feelings of restlessness. While there's no way to get rid of these symptoms in the long term without medication or therapy, there are plenty of safe, easy "quick fixes" to these annoying side effects.
1. Tea
This is the easiest, most efficient way of dealing with almost all of these symptoms. A soothing chamomile blend, or relaxing peppermint blend can help with the elevated heart rate, headaches, and the restlessness. Tea just has a way of relaxing the mind and the body, and these particular blends are made with the specific purpose of mellowing you out. For sleeping troubles, many brands have a line of "sleepy time" teas that make it easier to fall asleep. These are great for drinking about an hour before bed.
2. Ginger Ale
This is a lifesaver for those who are prone to upset tummies due to increased anxiety and stress. This is also a great short-term solution for people who have little or no appetite or have trouble keeping food down due to a tense stomach. This works best if one glass is consumed before a meal, and one is consumed after. Ideally, this will help settle the stomach long enough to eat and digest a meal; this doesn't always work, but it's a good solution most of the time!
3. Blueberries, Acai Berries, and Almonds
Blueberries and Acai berries are rich in phytonutrients (plant nutrients) as well as a variety of antioxidants that help reduce stress. Almonds are high in iron, zinc, and healthy fats. Each of these components are important for a balanced mood, and maintaining high energy (low energy can often lead to higher levels of stress or anxiety).
4. Chocolate
Not only is chocolate delicious and a go-to comfort food, but dark chocolate reduces cortisol levels which is a stress hormone that causes anxiety symptoms. Chocolate also contains a variety of other components that elevate mood- which is always a plus!
5. Blankets, Pillows, Music, and Netflix
One of the most beneficial things for your body when it is experiencing any combination of anxiety symptoms is relaxation. Relaxing seems impossible when physical symptoms are present, but setting up a comfortable environment sets the mind up for success. If your body feels comfortable-like in a mountain of blankets and pillows- then your mind will soon follow. Music or something to watch also help distract the mind so it is less focused on the symptoms, increasing the likelihood that they will disappear or at least lessen in severity.
6. Naps
It is rather unlikely that while experiencing physical symptoms that a full-night's sleep will be possible; however, it is vital to rest so that your body does not become overwhelmed or exhausted by its efforts to stay calm. Many people experiencing these symptoms struggle falling asleep at night or in the dark, so try to take naps during the day, or keep a light on at night when you intend to sleep. The more rested you are, the more capable your body is at getting rid of these pesky side effects of anxiety.
7. Cold Water or Chilled Foods
Elevated heart rate usually goes hand in hand with increased body temperature. Often times when experiencing an anxiety attack the sufferer will also experience hot flashes that come and go. Drinking cold water or eating chilled foods helps your body maintain an even temperature and will relieve any lingering heat. This makes it easier to stop the attack and prevent another from happening for quite some time.
None of these will entirely eliminate or cure anxiety for any extended amount of time, especially if you suffer from a more severe case; however, these will help make the physical symptoms of anxiety a little easier to handle. Often times, these symptoms will trigger anxiety attacks, so keeping as many of the symptoms at bay as possible is ideal. Dealing with anxiety in the short-term is usually managing the symptoms as best you can; while some of these "fixes" seems silly, the main idea is to just make yourself as comfortable as possible so that your body can do the hard work without any distractions. If you help your body, your body will help you, and ideally your anxiety will be a little easier to manage!