First, let’s start with grounding. Grounding or earthing refers to direct skin contact with the surface of the Earth, such as with bare feet or hands, or with various grounding systems. Walking barefoot on the Earth is known to enhance your health while providing feelings of wellbeing.

On the next, warm and sunny day, slip off your shoes and find a soft patch of grass to stand on. Let your feet press into the ground. Feel the Earth. And breath slow – in and out – for about 5 minutes. You’ll be amazed how this little snap of time can reset and slow any feelings of anxiety.

Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral, one of seven essential macro-minerals that the human body needs in large quantities. The body does not produce magnesium. The magnesium your body needs must come from outside sources like through your diet. Magnesium-rich foods include:

  • Dark leafy greens
  • Seeds and nuts, including sunflower and sesame seeds, cashews and almonds
  • Squash, broccoli, and other vegetables
  • Legumes
  • Dairy products
  • Meat
  • Unprocessed whole grains
  • Chocolate
  • Coffee

Lavender

This gently scented flowering herb has been shown to have a pretty broad range of effects in the body, as an essential oil, an oral supplement, and a topical cream or salve:

  • Lavender works as an anxiolytic (an anxiety reliever) and as a sedative, to increase relaxation and calm, and help bring about sleep
  • Lavender interacts with the neurotransmitter GABA to help quiet the brain and nervous system activity, reducing agitation, anger, aggression, and restlessness
  • Lavender functions as a pain reliever, or analgesic
  • Lavender has anti-bacterial capabilities
  • Lavender can reduce inflammation

Must be noted: Lavender oil has been shown to be what’s known as an endocrine disruptor. That means it affects how hormones work in the body. Studies have found lavender oil may have weak, or mild, effects on both estrogen and testosterone.

Vitamins

Vitamin D can be a great source for regulating mood and warding off depression. Just stepping outside for 20-30 minutes can grant your some much needed sun exposure. Depending on the weather, be sure to wear sunscreen or protective wear to avoid damaging sun exposure.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a vitamin your body needs to form blood vessels, cartilage, muscle and collagen in bones. Vitamin C is also vital to your body’s healing process. Because your body doesn’t produce vitamin C, you need to get it from the foods you edit or drinks you consume. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, berries, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and spinach. Vitamin C is also available as an oral supplement, typically in the form of capsules and chewable tablets.

Vitamin A (retinol, retinoic acid) is a nutrient important to vision, growth, cell division, reproduction and immunity. Vitamin A also has antioxidant properties. Vitamin A is found in many foods, such as spinach, dairy products and liver. Other sources are foods rich in beta-carotene, such as green leafy vegetables, carrots and cantaloupe. Your body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A.