How I Reduce Anxiety and Relax Naturally

Before I learned how to reduce anxiety by relaxing, my life and emotions went up and down like a rollercoaster. Once I instilled the following self-care nervous system reset practices, I consistently felt better each day.

Perhaps, like you, I tended to do things for others first and then was too exhausted to do things for myself. Even the easy things one could do to help oneself were hard when I was burnt out and anxious. Oh, I knew the typical actions experts told me to do to reduce anxiety and take care of myself, but I was too busy fighting the anxiety and surviving. I didn’t feel like I had time to nourish myself or start a self-care routine.

Until I realized that life was too precious and that I didn’t have time not to take care of myself. My anxiety got in the way of living, feeling, connecting, and having any joy. And I couldn’t stand for that anymore.

This video is for you if you can relate to any of this. I have outlined what I have learned are the MOST important self-care practices you can do to reduce anxiety and relax more naturally.

How To Reduce Anxiety and Relax Naturally 

Six Natural Ways to Reduce Anxiety and Relax

There are natural ways to ease anxiety and help the mind and body relax. Here are my six practical tips you can incorporate into your daily routine to promote calm and relaxation.

1. Sleep Enough

Sleep is essential for mental and physical health. Anxiety can increase when we don’t get enough rest, so aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. By sticking to a regular bedtime routine, you help your body maintain a stable internal clock. This leads to better rest and a calmer mind. Want some extra help? [Download this handout on How to Get Better Sleep], full of tips to improve your sleep habits.

2. Drink Hot Drinks

There’s something inherently calming about a warm cup of herbal tea or warm milk. Sipping a hot drink can be soothing, especially when combined with relaxing herbs like chamomile or lavender. These teas have been known to reduce stress and promote relaxation. The act of slowing down and savoring a warm beverage gives your mind a chance to pause and reset. It is a quiet ritual that is the perfect time to reflect on what you are grateful for and power down the mind.

3. Do Deep Breathing

Deep breathing is one of the quickest and most effective ways to reduce anxiety. This simple technique helps activate your body’s relaxation response. Try this: take a deep breath in for four counts, hold for four, and exhale for four. Repeat several times. By focusing on your breathing, you’re helping to oxygenate your body and giving your mind a moment of rest from anxious thoughts. Watch this video I made.

4. Go Outside

Nature has a powerful calming effect. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a hike in the woods, or simply sitting on your porch, being outside can ease stress and anxiety. Sunlight boosts serotonin, a natural mood stabilizer, while fresh air helps reset your mind. Make it a habit to spend some time outdoors daily, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Watch this video I made.

5. Positive Self-talk

We are often our own harshest critics. Practicing positive self-talk can significantly reduce anxiety and improve your mental well-being. Whenever you catch yourself engaging in negative thoughts, take a moment to reframe them. For example, instead of saying “I can’t handle this,” try “I can do this, one step at a time.” Being kind to yourself can transform how you handle stress. Watch this video I made.

6. Lean on a Friend

Sometimes, the best remedy for anxiety is talking to a friend. Sharing your feelings with someone you trust can provide emotional relief and a fresh perspective. Social support helps you feel connected and understood, reminding you that you’re not alone in your struggles. Don’t hesitate to reach out to loved ones when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Final Thoughts

Practice incorporating at least one of these relaxation tips into your routine and watch how your anxiety starts to go down. These are simple ways to keep calm when the chaos of life makes you feel overwhelmed so you can start feeling better.

Check out my download, 20 ways to calm from anxiety and panic.

What do you do to reduce anxiety and relax naturally?

Do you know I have a live talk show on Mondays at 8 PM E? When you attend Live, you get to ask Dr. Jodi your questions. Get on the list to get reminders about the show, including the topic for the week, PLUS, receive my Gen Z Mental Health Resource Guide here: