Millions of people around the world are diagnosed with anxiety and depression. There are ways to live a happy and healthy life while living still battling these disorders.Over the years, these are some natural ways I have noticed helps me continue to live a healthy life.

1. Meditation

Mediation is a widely known form of exercise. It eases the mind and allows one to focus on breathing patterns. I have found yoga to reduce my anxiety and allows me to work on my controlled breathing. Yoga is known to reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure and heart rate. If you haven’t given yoga a chance, definitely try it out!

2. Healthy Eating Habits

As you have probably heard many times by your doctor, maintaining healthy balanced meals can help reduce stress in the long haul. If you take care of your body, your body will take care of you! Personally I found it helpful to keep some healthy snack options around such as, mixed nuts, fresh fruit and vegetables and dried cranberries. I have found that hot teas have helped me get my caffine fix while still reducing symptoms of anxiety. Chamomile and peppermint teas are known to reduce irritability, lower stress levels and help people sleep throughout the night.

3. Mental Health Days

This has been a controversial topic recently, however, mental health days are totally OK. Every once in a while, it is important to take some time for yourself. I enjoy taking a few hours and go to one of my favorite coffee shops to do some work and read. People take these days to pamper themselves, or just simply have a day to catch up on sleep.

4. Essential Oils

Essential oils are scents (lavender and rose are my favorites) that release a calming aroma in the air. It has been shown to affect parts of the brain that correlate with anxiety, stress and depression to help uplift someone’s mood! This quick and easy natural antidepressant has no side effects and helps with overall uplifting your mood!

5. Maintain a Healthy Sleep Schedule

It is important to carry on days full of studying, working and simply just living through a strong sleep schedule.It is recommended to get about eight hours each night, while we all know this does not always happen, its good to try. Studies have shown that sleeping through the night and waking up early can help reduce signs and symptoms of anxiety.

6. Emotional Support Animal

Within the past year, I adopted and trained my dog to become an emotional support animal. This has helped me in more ways than I can count. Although this option is not feasible for everyone, those who can, I highly recommend it. Adopting a dog (or any animal) has brought so much happiness in my life. Having a fluff ball gives me responsibilities and on the bad days, gives me a reason to get out of bed. They are so loving and nurturing that he lowers my stress and anxiety whenever I am with him.

While there are many online resources readily available these are just a few key self-remedies I have found useful over the years since I have battled with anxiety. Some work better for others and visa versa, however, it just shows that there are ways for everyone to cope with the symptoms of anxiety and everything it entails with it.