How to be Calm

author avatar Dr. Eric Berg 03/27/2024

Have you ever found yourself staring at the ceiling at 2 a.m., your mind racing with thoughts from "Did I lock the front door?" to "What's the meaning of life?" Welcome to the club.

It seems like anxiety has become an uninvited guest in many of our lives, whispering sweet nothings that sound more like doomsday prophecies. But here’s a twist: What if I told you there are ways to show anxiety the door?

No, not by engaging in a mental tug-of-war but by understanding its roots and gently ushering it out.

Last year alone, millions whispered under their breath about feeling anxious. Yet, only a handful truly grasped what lies beneath these turbulent waves. Anxiety isn't just about being nervous; it's a complex concert played on our neurochemical strings.

So why do talking about remedies feel like tiptoeing around ancient secrets? Maybe because nature quietly holds some potent answers amidst pills and professional consultations.

Today is different, though; today, we break down those walls of silence to explore the natural solutions right under our noses. So, let's tip our hats to nature's healing touch, which has been quietly supporting human health for ages.

Understanding the Role of Neurotransmitters in Calmness

Ever wonder why some people seem to stay calm as a cucumber no matter what life throws at them? The secret lies in their brain chemistry - specifically, a GABA neurotransmitter.

GABA is like the brain's natural chill pill. When it's flowing freely, anxiety melts away, and a sense of tranquility takes over. But when GABA levels drop, that's when anxiety can rear its ugly head.

The Science Behind GABA and Calmness

GABA acts like the brain's chill pill, dialing down activity to keep things nice and calm. It's like the bouncer at a nightclub, deciding which thoughts and feelings get to party in your head.

Research shows that people with low GABA levels are more prone to anxiety and panic disorders. Conversely, boosting GABA can lead to feelings of relaxation and well-being.

Different alcoholic drinks

The Impact of Alcohol on GABA Levels

Ever wonder why a glass of wine can make you feel so good? Alcohol increases GABA levels in the brain, leading to that initial buzz of happiness and relaxation.

But here's the catch: when the alcohol wears off, GABA levels plummet, leaving you feeling anxious and on edge. That's why regular heavy drinking can worsen anxiety in the long run.

Natural Remedies for Instant Calmness

If popping a Xanax every time life gets stressful isn't your cup of tea, don't worry. Mother Nature has got your back with some powerful calming remedies.

Sipping on calming teas or taking in the soothing scents of essential oils, there are many natural routes to amp up your GABA levels and calm those nerves. And the best part? They won't break the bank or leave you with nasty side effects.

Lemon Balm Tea - A Natural Calmative

Lemon balm is like nature's Valium. This fragrant herb has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and ease anxiety.

Studies show that lemon balm can increase GABA activity in the brain, leading to a greater sense of calm. Plus, it tastes delicious and is caffeine-free so that you can sip it any time of day.

Practical Tips for Incorporating Calmness into Your Daily Routine

Okay, so you're sold on the power of GABA and natural remedies. But how do you make them a part of your daily life? So, let's dive straight into some hands-on advice to kick things off.

Making Lemon Balm Tea Part of Your Day

Brew a cup of lemon balm tea first thing in the morning or before bed for a calming ritual. You can even keep a stash of tea bags in your desk drawer for a mid-day stress buster.

Not a fan of hot drinks? Make a big batch of iced lemon balm tea to sip throughout the day. Add a squeeze of honey or a sprig of mint for extra flavor.

Beyond Tea - Other Methods to Increase GABA Naturally

Lemon balm isn't the only way to boost GABA levels. Regular exercise and certain foods, like yogurt and kefir, can all help increase this calming neurotransmitter.

Three different faces of a woman

Soothing Anxiety Naturally

Soothing anxiety naturally involves exploring remedies like chamomile tea, known for its calming properties. Additionally, often overlooked cilantro offers numerous health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Incorporating cilantro into your diet can aid digestion and detoxification and may even help lower blood sugar levels, making it a valuable addition to your wellness routine.

Conclusion

So, we've journeyed through the tangled forests of anxiety and emerged on the other side with a basket full of natural remedies. Who would have thought something as simple as lemon balm tea could be a powerful ally against those pesky late-night mind races?

It's not just about sipping tea; it's about reconnecting with nature’s quiet wisdom to find our inner calm.

We’ve uncovered the science behind GABA and how its delicate dance in our brains can mean the difference between serenity and chaos.

And let’s not forget our detour into understanding why reaching for that wine glass might feel good at first but doesn’t do us any favors in the long run. Knowledge is power, my friends.

The true magic unfolds when we start incorporating these natural solutions into our everyday lives, making them part and parcel of how we live each day.

Making lemon balm tea your new best friend or tweaking small lifestyle habits can crank up your GABA levels without you even noticing.

This isn't just another daydream cooked up by nature enthusiasts; it's backed by science, sprinkled with history, and tested through time. We're turning back to earth for answers because sometimes, amidst all our advancements, simplicity holds the key.

And there you have it—a beacon of hope in navigating anxiety naturally. It’s more apparent now than ever: Mother Nature has our backs if only we pay attention to her whispers (or rather read her well-researched studies).

So, subsequent time anxiety knocks on your door uninvited, remember you’ve got an arsenal hidden right under your nose...

Supporting Data

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4245564/

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