Manage your anxiety with these 7 ayurvedic tips

No one likes feeling anxious. Though a tinge of anxiety can spark productively in some people, too much of it can be hazardous for one’s health.

According to Ayurvedic experts, anxiety is primarily due to an aggravation of vata dosha. So, to heal anxiety, first, we need to balance our doshas. Read here: What are the different types of doshas.

Certain lifestyle factors can aggravate vata dosha. For example, late hours, erratic schedules, cold environment, too much work and an unhealthy diet can all lead to an imbalance of vata dosha. Here are a few simple ayurvedic remedies that can help calm your anxiety by balancing your doshas.

A warm bath can always soothe your muscles and relax your mind. To take an anxiety reduction bath, pour one-third cup of ginger and one-third cup of baking soda in a warm tub of water. Soak in for 10 -15 minutes.

Soak 10 almonds in water overnight. In the morning, peel off the skin and blend them with a cup of warm milk, a pinch of ginger, pinch of nutmeg and saffron. Enjoy the milk sip by sip.

As per Ayurveda, the foods that you eat can balance your doshas or cause havoc among them. To pacify your vata dosha, which is responsible for anxiety, choose warm, moist, less oily foods. You can have soups, hot cereals, dairy products, bread and pasta.

Avoid caffeine, alcohol, sugar, chocolate and nicotine as they can be overstimulating. Have fruits as your snack instead.

Some other vata pacifying ingredients include cinnamon, cumin, ginger, nutmeg, rock salt, sesame seeds, anise, asafoetida and natural sugar.

Certain fragrances have a calming effect on the vata dosha. You can try basil, orange, clove and lavender oil in your diffuser or take a hot bath by mixing a few drops in water and relax.

Alternate nose breathing, also called pranayama soothes the nervous system, relieves anxiety and calms and balances energy on both physical and subtle levels. If you haven't tried it yet, try it now.