Your anxiety has been getting to some scary level.
Or you've been through a panic attack or, well, more than one attack.
And you are looking around for help and hope.
Maybe something you can try on your own.
I'm not here to discourage you from getting professional help.
And if you are reading this, I commend you for seeking an answer.
And letting someone you trust know you have a need is another good thing.
As to home remedies for anxiety, it depends on what you are going through.
If an intruder has come in the window at night, that is a better time to run or fight rather than take a hot bath.
We're talking about the kind of anxiety or panic that doesn't make much sense or that is not serving you as well as "fight or flight" when the intruder comes.
When I have anxiety I want to take off like a sweater and throw away, what are some things that might help? Breathing: People who are overly anxious tend to hyperventilate.
It is as if you were breathing as much as you would running when you are sitting down, or something like that.
Self-consciously taking slow, deep breaths can help get your oxygen and carbon dioxide ratio back to where it should be.
And it can calm you down.
Avoiding caffeine: Coke, Mountain Dew, and other soft drinks, not to mention coffee, can ramp your body into hyperactivity.
If you are trying to calm down, consuming caffeine is only going to sabotage your efforts.
Alcohol consumption is generally not going to help either, especially if you are on drugs for anxiety or depression.
Exercise: Ever notice how you feel better when you are out on a walk than when you are sitting at home? Ever had a "runner's high"? Exercise is good for more than just staying trim and keeping a healthy cardiovascular system.
Its good for your mood, and not just when during exercise.
Granted, if you have any of various medical conditions, you will need to consult your doctor about exercise.
And granted, your job may give you enough or more than enough exercise.
I am talking about the large number of folks who lead sedentary lives and whose bodies do not get enough exercise without adding some to their regular routines.
Thinking: I'm thinking of two aspects of your thinking.
One, we who worry tend to rehearse the bad stuff, the embarrassment, the trauma, the "what if's" over and over and over--you get the point.
Pick stuff that you like or the silver lining or focus on what is best and think about that stuff.
The key is to divert your mind away from the bad stuff and focus your mind on what is better.
Decide what you want to think about and discipline your mind to replace the anxiety-boosting thoughts with thoughts that help you get where you need to go.
Ever seen a little child cry cause he or she is lonely or sad or feels emotionally hurt? Ever try to distract that child with a toy or a kind word? What happens? Often the tears go away.
So distract the kid inside you with something pretty.
Two, think about the causes of your anxiety.
This may sound odd and maybe contrary to point one immediately above, but I am talking here about anxiety that does not make sense, that seems irrational, or when causes are vague.
And don't rehearse bad stuff, but think with the goal of solving the problem, where possible.
In some cases, exposing an underlying cause to the light of thinking will show it as being less frightening than it had seemed.
In other cases, our worry may lead us to making important decisions about what needs doing, and then taking action.
Changing jobs.
Getting help.
Whatever.
One of the leading problems with anxiety is avoidance behaviors.
Admitting to yourself what you avoid and why it is a problem is a good step; thinking about how to solve the problem is important too.
Taking necessary and good action may be more difficult.
Some prefer their anxiety to taking action.
Others need a little help before taking action.
Or preliminary action before the big action.
Focused thinking is needed in either case.
Fun diversions: I don't mean avoiding responsibility.
I mean, reward yourself for your work by enjoying something you like.
It might put a brighter face on life.
Sleep: Some people with anxiety disorders have insomnia or poor sleep habits.
This only makes bad anxiety worse.
You may need to check for sleep apnea, a serious heath condition that can be corrected.
Herbs: There are herbs that have long been used for their mild sedative, calming effects.
Herbal anxiety remedies may include Chamomile tea, Kava, Valerian, Hops, and so on.
Skullcap is an herb useful in helping you get to sleep.
Lavender: Only taken externally via air distribution or topical treatments, the essential oil of lavender has a calming effect on the brain.
Note that Lavender product qualities, and their respective effects on calming, varies.
Sandalwood and Marjoram are worth a try too.
Magnesium and calcium: Found commonly in supplement form, this helps relax tense muscles.
I hope something here helps you.
If you have irrational panic attacks or anxiety disorders, there is hope.
But if something in the above gives inadequate relief, it may be best if you took additional action.