Anxiety isn’t just feeling nervous before a big event—it can be all-consuming, making everyday tasks feel impossible. I know this firsthand. There was a time when my anxiety was so severe that I spent three months in bed, followed by months of panic attacks so intense that I couldn’t leave my house. If it weren’t for Instacart and the Chinese restaurant at the foot of my stairs, I don’t know how I would have managed. 🤣

If you’ve ever felt this way, you are not alone. Anxiety can take over your life, but there is a way out. I want to share what I’ve learned about anxiety—what causes it, how it manifests, and, most importantly, how you can manage it naturally.

Understanding Anxiety: What’s Really Happening?

Anxiety is a response to perceived stress or danger, triggering the body’s fight-or-flight system. When this response becomes chronic, the nervous system stays stuck in overdrive, leading to symptoms such as:

• Racing thoughts
• Shortness of breath
• Heart palpitations
• Muscle tension
• Digestive issues
• Insomnia

While anxiety can be triggered by external stressors—like work, relationships, or finances—it often has internal roots, including gut health imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and past trauma stored in the body.

Natural Ways to Manage Anxiety

Instead of masking symptoms, I focused on regulating my nervous system and bringing my body back to balance. Here are the natural methods that worked for me:

1. Meditation & Breathwork

These practices calm the mind, reduce cortisol levels, and rewire anxious thought patterns. Even five minutes of deep breathing can signal safety to the nervous system.

2. The Adaptiv System by doTERRA

Adaptiv combines essential oils and supplements specifically designed to support emotional balance. The Adaptiv blend includes calming oils like Lavender, Wild Orange, and Copaiba, which help ease tension and promote relaxation.

3. Copaiba & Frankincense for Nervous System Regulation

Taking a drop of Copaiba* and Frankincense* under my tongue daily was a game-changer. These oils support the endocannabinoid system, helping to regulate stress responses naturally. *dōTERRA CPTG oils are the only oils pure enough to take internally.

4. Cold Showers

It sounds extreme, but cold exposure helps reset the nervous system, reducing inflammation and improving resilience to stress. The shock of cold water forces you into deep breathing, immediately calming anxiety.

5. Movement & Grounding

Yoga, walking barefoot on the earth, and gentle exercise helped me discharge stored tension and reconnect with my body in a positive way.

6. Gut Health & Smart Supplementation

Making sure my gut health is a priority with bi-annual cleanses and taking bioavailable ‘smart’ supplements every day has been essential. A healthy gut plays a major role in mood regulation and overall mental well-being.

You Are Not Alone

Anxiety doesn’t have to control your life. With the right tools, support, and natural interventions, you can reclaim your peace. If you’re struggling, start with one or two of these methods and see what works for you. Here is a link to my recommendations for Anxiety Be Gone Naturally! Along with the purchase of these products, you will also get my coaching and support.

In upcoming posts, I’ll be diving deeper into each of these strategies, sharing personal experiences, scientific insights, and practical ways to integrate them into your daily routine. If this resonates with you, stay tuned for more on stress management, holistic wellness, and how to take control of your mental health—naturally.