Anxiety is part of our body’s natural stress response – having a sense of worry or dread would have once warned us about life-threatening dangers.

But while there may not be as many predators in the modern world, anxiety can still arise in our bodies in much the same way, causing the same hormones to pump and strike a very real sense of terror, worry, fear or dread into those who suffer from it.

There are many reasons behind why different people might suffer from anxiety, as well as many different types of anxiety.

Gender also plays a part: women are almost twice as likely to suffer than men. But, with over 8 million people a year suffering with anxiety in the UK alone, it is nothing to feel ashamed about.

Anxiety might arise from trauma, current stressors to do with work or home life or from health issues, including if you have started taking any new drugs or medications recently.

Anxiety in itself can be a symptom of a broader issue, such as a phobia or post-traumatic stress disorder, so it is always worth seeking professional help and advice and remembering that we all need help sometimes.

Luckily, there are a myriad of methods, from psychological techniques like mindfulness, mediation, hypnosis and talking therapies, to physical ones like cutting out caffeine, or taking up yoga, swimming or other forms of exercise.

Then there are various anxiety remedies and natural anti-anxiety methods you might wish to try, explored below, which can provide support for some of the symptoms.

Of course, if neither lifestyle changes nor over the counter anxiety medication reduce your symptoms, talk to your GP.

Not only can they refer you to NHS programmes and therapies for anxiety, but they might recommend prescription tablets to help with anxiety.

The valerian plant has become a household name in the past half century. This flowering perennial plant, with its pink and white flowers, hides much of its potential below ground, in its roots.

Traditionally the root has been ground up by herbalists and natural medicine practitioners to help those suffering from chronic insomnia and anxiety.

Science continues to study this powerful plant and studies investigating its medicinal value are showing insights into its potential to assist with insomnia as an alternative to prescription medicine. More mass population studies are ongoing.

Try Valerian Plus tablets which may help with temporary relief of sleep disturbances due to mild anxiety. Based on traditional use only.

If you are uncertain about whether any of these stress relief tablets are right for you then please consult your primary healthcare provider.

If you are suffering from stress and need help, then it is always best to talk to a professional.

Not only will you benefit from the fresh air and get your daily dose of Vitamin D, being outside gives you the space and time to relax - a walk around your local park should do it.

Take half an hour, some luxurious bubble bath and a few drops of essential oils and have a good long soak. Essential oils like lavender, bergamot, frankincense, rose or ylang ylang can help you unwind.

Many herbs have calming properties. Try sipping chamomile tea to soothe and help you relax or try rhodiola supplements to relieve the symptoms associated with stress.

Meditation helps to restore calm and reduce stress. Focus for 5 minutes on breathing deeply and slowly through your nose. Meditation can help with wellbeing and mindfulness, allowing you to be fully present without overthinking. 

There's no need to be alone with your thoughts and feelings. Getting support from people who've been through similar things can help you feel less alone ad be a reminder that you aren't the only one experiencing these things. 

When you first wake up, wait a few minutes after opening your eyes before looking at your phone. Emails, the news and even social media can all make you start feeling worried and add to any negative feelings. 

1. Quigley, E. (2018). The Gut-Brain Axis and the Microbiome: Clues to Pathophysiology and Opportunities for Novel Management Strategies in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Journal of Clinical Medicine, 7(1), p.6. doi:10.3390/jcm7010006.