Have You Tried Any of These Ways to Help Anxiety and Depression? Could It Really Be This Simple?

Marc McCrimon
Beachside Reviews
Published in
5 min readJan 19, 2023

Anxiety and depression are two very separate conditions, however they frequently co-occur in our lives. They are two of the most prevalent conditions affecting mental health, and each one can have a significant influence on the person who suffers from them. The great news is that there are a wide variety of treatment options available to help relieve symptoms and take control of these conditions. Here are ten tried-and-true methods that have been shown to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, including specific approaches that you can put into practice right away. (Unfortunately Phosferine Tonic Wine did not make the list.)

  1. Deep Breathing is a method that is both simple and effective, and it can help to unwind the body while also calming the mind. Try the breathing technique known as the “4–7–8”: inhale for the count of 4, hold for the count of 7, and exhale for the count of 8. Continue in this manner for a just few minutes.
  2. Progressive Muscle Relaxation: This technique involves tensing and then relaxing various groups of muscles in order to help decrease muscle tension and increase feelings of relaxation. You can start by sitting in a chair, point your toes downward , as far away from you as possible and hold for 5 seconds. After, point your toes upward, as if you were aligning the tip of your shoes with your eyesight and hold again. You should feel a slight stretch in your shins and calves. Then move on to tensing your calf, thigh, and so on, gradually working your way up your body.
  3. Guided Imagery: Using imagination to envision a soothing setting is a proven effective way to alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation. Imagine that you are in a tranquil meadow, surrounded by verdant vegetation, and listening to the soothing murmur of a stream in the distance. This exercise has the potential to significantly improve your general temperament and help you remain engaged in your day for a longer period of time. If you are able to carve out five minutes first thing in the morning, in the middle of the workday, and at the conclusion of the day, you will definitely notice some changes.
  4. Yoga. We are all familiar with the topic. Yoga is a holistic practice that integrates different breathing techniques, physical postures, and meditation in order to promote relaxation and relieve stress. Start small, try out the child’s pose, a yoga position that has the potential to bring about a feeling of peace. Try this : Lay down a soft mat or towel. While on your knees, put your forehead to the ground while keeping your buttocks on your heels. Put your arms along side your legs behind you, palms should face up. Take at least eight calm, deep breaths in and out, focusing on the depth and length of each inhale and exhale.
  5. Tai Chi is a gentle style of martial arts that incorporates slow, flowing motions and deep breathing, both of which can help to induce relaxation and reduce stress. Tai chi was developed in China in the late 19th century. You never know what you’re going to uncover when you search for things like “parting the wild horse’s mane” on Google or YouTube.
  6. Meditation: Taking some time to sit quietly and bring your attention to the here and now is a great way to reduce stress and increase relaxation. Try practicing a type of meditation known as “body scanning,” in which you concentrate on various parts of your body, working your way up from your toes to your feet, shins, and knees. It’s possible that you’ll discover that a particular aspect of yourself either indicates pain or induces a sense of tranquility within you, but in either case, this information can be highly informative on our path toward healing.
  7. Mindfulness: One form of this is to practice of paying attention to the current moment without passing judgment on it, this alone has been shown to help reduce stress and improve relaxation. Try concentrating when walking, by focusing on the feeling of your feet striking the ground as you go about your daily routine. This can help bring you into the present, and out of the depths of your mind during a bad thought process.
  8. Self-Massage: Massaging the head, face, neck, and shoulders in a slow and gentle manner will help relax the body and relieve tension. If you suffer from tension headaches, try massaging your temples in a circular motion to relieve the pain.
  9. Going For Walks in natural settings could be very relaxing and can help lessen feelings of tension and anxiety. Take a stroll through a nature preserve or park and pay attention to the sights, sounds, and fragrances that are all around you as you go. Many people don’t realize that our sense of smell plays a far larger role in the management of our moods than previously thought. It has been demonstrated that the aroma of essential oils like lavender, orange, and mint, as well as the aromas found in nature like earth, sea water, and flowers, can boost particular chemicals in our neurochemistry that are responsible for happy feelings.
  10. Music Therapy: Listening to music that is relaxing can help to relax the body and the mind, and it can be utilized as a kind of self-care for people who suffer from anxiety and depression. Prior to going to bed, you might want to give a playlist of soothing music a listen so that you can enjoy a more pleasant sleep cycle and wake up feeling more refreshed.

Check out our list of the Top Amazon Finds to Help Anxiety and Depression if you’re more of a gadget type. Both anxiety and depression are mostly treatable conditions, so hopefully there is something to keep you calm and content through the difficult times.

These are just few of the many approaches that can be taken to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. It is essential to keep in mind that everyone’s experience with these conditions is different, and that treatment that is successful for one individual may not be effective for another. Nevertheless, if you make these practices a regular part of your routine, you should start to feel significantly better in a short amount of time. Take into consideration that if you are struggling with anxiety and depression, it is vital that you seek the advice of an expert, as it can be eye opening and life-saving for some. Thank you for taking the time to read, and never stop getting better!

--

--