Anxiety is a serious condition that many Americans face. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly
20% of people in the United States suffer from an anxiety disorder. However, considering that many people are misdiagnosed or don’t come forward with their problems, many experts believe this number hovers around the 30% mark. As a result, anxiety has become the number one mental health issue in North America.
With those statistics in mind, chances are that you know someone who’s suffering from anxiety. You may have noticed the signs: excessive worrying, restlessness, fatigue, and even panic attacks. If someone you know exhibits these signs, it’s important to let them know that it’s okay to seek help. And while chances are you aren’t a doctor yourself, there are several ways you can help make their life easier. Here are a few inexpensive ways to cheer up people with anxiety:
Food Baskets
Delicious, fulfilling food baskets are a great way to cheer anyone up. Of course, you’ll want to stick to food items that have been proven to help with anxiety. For example, chocolate has long been linked with happiness. Multiple studies have proven that chocolate can improve your mood—and even have plenty of health benefits, too. This is because chocolate stimulates the production of endorphins, which create feelings of pleasure. It also contains serotonin, a natural antidepressant that can elevate a person’s mood. Fortunately, there are plenty of different types of chocolate to choose from, from soothing
green tea chocolate to rich dark chocolate and everything in between.
There are plenty of other
mood-boosting foods, too. Berries, for example, are chock full of flavonoids, which are known for improving memory, reducing inflammation, and regulating your mood. Almonds are another great option for a nice food basket: they are a healthy fat that help boost brain health because they contain plenty of tyrosine, a compound that
prevents a decline in cognitive function that happens as a result of stress.
Go to a Comedy Show
You may have heard the old adage, “Laughter is the best medicine,” and you’d be happy to know there’s some science to this saying. Laughing helps lighten your burden, connects you with others, relaxes the body, and decreases stress hormones. Laughter triggers those natural feel-good chemicals in the body, releasing pleasurable endorphins. It can even improve the function of blood vessels, increasing blood flow throughout the body. This essentially helps protect you from cardiovascular problems in the long run. And of course, it eases the tension someone may be feeling from their day to day life. Get them tickets to a comedy show, and make it simple for them to attend. This means arranging all the details, like transportation.
Offer a Candle
Aromatherapy can play a huge role in helping reduce stress. Soothing scents can reduce the feelings of anxiety and stress, especially when they use natural flowers and other plants. According to
one study, “Aromatherapy is a simple, convenient and non-invasive method of stress relief. Aromatherapy was shown to be effective in the reduction of the number of stress symptoms for 3 or 4 days.” Lavender, sandalwood, lemon balm, jasmine, peppermint, and rosemary are all known for their calming effect on the body and mind.
Give the Gift of Vitamins
Vitamins and supplements are a great, natural way to help relieve some anxiety. Why not bundle up a few bottles of vitamins and put them together in a nice care package? For instance, in one study, students taking omega-3 vitamins experienced a 20% reduction in anxiety symptoms. Valerian root is also a very good sleep aid, known for its calming and tranquilizing natural qualities. Gather several vitamins that reduce anxiety, which can serve as a great, health-conscious gift.
Take a Workout Class
Working out is one of the best ways to relieve stress and anxiety, and taking a class with your loved one can be just the right antidote—and can help motivate them to continue on with their exercise habits. Exercise lowers the amount of cortisol in your body—a stress hormone that builds when a person is suffering from anxiety. It also releases endorphins, acting as a natural painkiller. And lastly, it can improve quality of sleep, which may have taken a hit as a result of stress and anxiety. Take a boxing class, spin glass, or yoga class to help get the endorphins flowing.
Anxiety is a serious condition that many Americans face. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 20% of people in the United States suffer from an anxiety disorder. However, considering that many people are misdiagnosed or don’t come forward with their problems, many experts believe this number hovers around the 30% mark. As a result, anxiety has become the number one mental health issue in North America.
With those statistics in mind, chances are that you know someone who’s suffering from anxiety. You may have noticed the signs: excessive worrying, restlessness, fatigue, and even panic attacks. If someone you know exhibits these signs, it’s important to let them know that it’s okay to seek help. And while chances are you aren’t a doctor yourself, there are several ways you can help make their life easier. Here are a few inexpensive ways to cheer up people with anxiety:
