Overcome your anxiety and sleep better
There's no denying that we're living in an age of anxiety. Whether our worries or big or small, these everyday stressors can take over our lives and make us feel stressed, panicked and even unorganised.
In fact, in 2013, there were 8.2 million cases of anxiety in the UK. In England, women are almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders as men.
And speaking from my own experience, in a world where information is fast and flowing and an attitude to keeping up with the Joneses lifestyle can be difficult, overwhelming and feel like an endless battle.
Stressful hours, long to-do lists and busy weeks sometimes make it feel like there is no time left to just switch off and relax.
But remember, we're only human and there are only so many hours in a day and whilst mantras, yoga and meditation can help keep anxiety at bay, sometimes I have found it's not enough.
You don't need a fancy vacation or a weekend at the spa, but why not instead try these affordable and easily accessible items that are specifically targeted for helping people cope with stress and worry?
Below are highly-rated products for anxiety relief that I have personally researched, tried and tested...
1. Reducing anxiety in the morning
£24.99
If there's one thing I have learned on my journey to handling my anxiety is that routines, techniques and rituals really help.
In the morning before my day begins I often feel anxious about the day ahead and what I need to get done.
I'm not alone. Many people, especially those suffering from anxiety disorders wake up in the morning with a sense of dread and worry, which makes them want to just curl up under the covers and hide from the day.
Here's how you can feel more motivated and minimise morning anxiety so you can wake up and feel excited to start the new day...
Diffusers can be used in the evenings to help you wind down before bed, however, because I love any excuse to use mine, I find it very useful in the morning especially when paired with energising scents. Because the goal in the morning is to feel motivated right?
The goal is to feel motivated, happy and ready for the day. I load my small diffuser (placed in a light and airy space) with a few drops of Orange Essential Oil, play my dedicated uplifting playlist and spend my time structuring and planning for my day in order to avoid becoming overwhelmed.
For me, being more organised makes me feel in control and with the help of essential oils and good vibes I feel ready to take on the world.
£12
Orange, like most of the citrus range of essential oils, is energising, fresh and provides a mood boost.
To go an extra step further, some mornings after working out I like to use specific body washes with particular scents to improve my mood, like this Happy Wash Body Wash.
Essential oils to increase your energy and motivation look out for:
Essential oils have clinical research that backs and supports claims that they increase energy, boost serotonin/dopamine levels and relieve fatigue.
2. Stress less in the afternoon
Quick and easy methods I have found to get through the mid-afternoon panic or slump include keeping energising candle burning or again relying on essential oils to lift my mood and perk me up.
£11
I always have three things with me wherever I go, a stress-relieving roll-on essential oil, a bottle of my favourite essential oil scent with mood-changing properties and a facial spray to clarify, hydrate and energise.
For example, I often apply small dots of Clary Sage Essential Oil to my pulse points, these include my hands and neck. So, in times where I feel like things might be getting a bit too much, I put my hands together in a prayer motion and bring them towards my face, and for a few minutes, I take deep breaths and inhale the calming scent.
Clary Sage is said to be excellent for melting away stress and anxiety. It's also a great mood booster. There’s nothing like mixing it with Orange to create a refreshing energy boost also or even something like lavender if you just wish to relax and unwind further.
I have found that this really helps me take a few minutes away, practice some deep breathing and feeling more awake, alert and in control to continue with the rest of my day.
3. Sleep better in the evenings
If there's one thing I have learned on my journey to handling my anxiety is that routines, techniques and rituals really help - and besides the fact that getting off to sleep in the evening can be difficult, I really do look forward to my evening routine.
In my bedroom, I have set the stage to create a calm and relaxed environment. To ensure it stays this way, I make sure to only use the bedroom to sleep with an hour-long period of winding down before I turn out the lights.
Creating the right environment includes:
- A larger diffuser that switches between stress relief oils and sleep easy oils (lavender is one of my favourite scents, so this really works for me - here's what I use the most)
- I apply my sleep body oils again to my pulse points after cleansing my face and finishing my skincare routine (see this recommendation)
- I repeat my deep breathing prayer motion, where again I bring my wrists to my nose and inhale deeply for three minutes
- For difficult nights, I recommend staying away from the television or your phone, but perhaps trying some sleep meditation and exploring hypnotherapy techniques - the app Deep Sleep has been a great help
- I have a journal, which I do not use as a diary but more of a confessional. I find that having a safe space to clear my confessions (things I would not say out loud) and thoughts that worry me. This really helps me to wind down and reflect
Lavender is one of those traditional relaxation scents that has been used for centuries to aid in insomnia and it is also believed to reduce anxiety and allergies. It smells so floral, wonderful and calming. A couple of drops can be placed on your pillowcase just before bedtime to prepare for your evening slumber.
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