Peace Out With These Supplements

Life's been dishing out chaos on a silver platter? I mean what don’t we have? Work drama, health concerns, bills that never seem to end and the cherry on top, your ex moving on from a relationship you thought was going to last forever? No wonder your brain's performing the anxious tap dance. And though we'd love to think that a good night's sleep and a bubble bath will sort it all out, some natural helpers are waiting to come in and rescue your sanity.

Need some nature's stress-relieving players? Well, to begin with, there’s magnesium, a nerve-calming wizard. Then lavender is a lullaby for your stressed-out brain. And then of course passionflower, it's exudes 'zen goddess' energy. These natural wonders operate behind the scenes to soothe racing thoughts, stabilise shaky hands, and make "fight or flight" seem like a far-off nightmare.

But let's get real there ain't no magic pill gonna cure stress on its own. Mix those plant-powered potables with good deep breaths, a fabulous playlist, the kind of exercise that gets those endorphins pumping, and friends who're always telling you you are that girl. And when stress comes around again? Open up a wee bit of peace, brew yourself some chamomile tea, and remind yourself: you've got this.

Check Out The Best Supplements For Anxiety

1. Magnesium

Think of it as your secret weapon in the battle against stress. Magnesium citrate gets quickly absorbed by the body to naturally relax your muscles, relieve anxiety and soothe fear, irritability, and restlessness. When you’re stressed your muscles tighten subconsciously and magnesium is the super mineral that eases those knots and induces calmness. In fact, it’s been touted as a 'chill pill' for centuries because of its ability to soothe anxiety, stabilise the mood and promote feelings of calm and well-being. Just make sure to take a supplement that contains both magnesium and calcium, since they're interdependent to do their best.

2. Passion Flower

Despite its name, this is actually a calming herb for anxiety, insomnia, and even epileptic fits. So, how does it work? It increases levels of GABA [gamma-aminobutyric acid] in the brain that reduces brain activity and calms anxiety and stress. Especially useful if you suffer from insomnia. The best way to include this in your diet is through teas, tinctures, tablets, and even skin-soothing creams. You know your skin is your biggest organ and anything applied to it gets directly absorbed into your bloodstream. You could also take it in combination with Valerian root or Ashwagandha to supercharge its benefits.

3. Lavender

Did ya know that there have been clinical studies on the effect of lavender aromatherapy on patients undergoing MRI procedures? Apparently, it works wonders on anyone with a history of claustrophobia, panic attacks or anxiety during the MRI procedure. Lavender works as an anxiolytic (anxiety reliever) and sedative to increase feelings of relaxation and calm by interacting with the neurotransmitter GABA to quieten the brain and nervous system activity. The result: you feel less agitated, angry and restless. So, the next time you’re feeling antsy, reach for some lavender.

4. Theanine

This is an essential amino acid found in green or black tea, and Bay Bolete mushrooms. It gives you a sense of calm without feeling drowsy. Theanine has been shown to reduce stress responses in the body so you feel relaxed, even in situations that normally would stress you out. It’s also been used to treat anxiety and stress, depression, ADHD, schizophrenia, and even as a preventive of Alzheimer's disease. Theanine has a chemical structure very similar to glutamate, a naturally occurring amino acid in the body that helps transmit nerve impulses in the brain.

5. Lactium

Sounds like a devious-sounding narcotic but it’s actually a natural compound found in milk! Remember when you were little and your mother gave you a glass of warm milk to help you fall asleep? That’s because milk contains Lactium which promotes feelings of calm and wellbeing, key to easing anxiety. It's also a great aid if you spend most nights tossing and turning, with your mind racing.

6. B-Complex

This is especially important if you’re a vegetarian and tend to have low levels of Vitamin B Complex. You’ve probably heard of a friend feeling low on energy perking up instantly after a shot of B12. Turns out that it’s true. B Complex can boost mood and energy levels and the plethora of B-complex vitamins can uplift and stabilize mood. B Complex vitamins include Thiamine (vitamin B1), Riboflavin (vitamin B2), Niacin (vitamin B3), Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), Pyridoxine (vitamin B6), Biotin, Folic acid and the Cobalamins (vitamin B12), all of which can make you feel calmer.

7. Ashwagandha

Chances are you’ve heard of Ashwagandha, an age-old Ayurvedic ingredient that’s widely touted as a mood-boosting supplement. And with good reason. It’s an adaptogen, a natural substance that balances the body's reactions to stress, boosts mood and promotes restful sleep and relaxation. Clinical studies on the efficacy of Ashwagandha have verified its impact on lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol and supporting a healthy response to stress.

8. Melatonin

Did you know that your body creates melatonin but some people don't make enough? A deficiency can lead to disturbed sleep, anxiety and irritability. If you have been having trouble sleeping, you could try melatonin products widely available to supplement your body's natural production. Not only will this boost your mood but also regulate your circadian rhythms.

9. Fish Oil

All fat is not bad, and this is a classic example right here. Besides supporting heart health and reducing artery-clogging triglyceride levels, fish oil contains a specific Omega-3 fatty acid called eicosapentaenoic acid that is linked to mood. Omega 3s are the basic building blocks of the brain and nervous system, so regularly taking fish oil can boost brain activity, improve concentration and settle your mood. Added advantage: Omega 3s also keep your skin and hair healthy.

10. Probiotics

We all know that probiotics support gut health and boost digestion and immune system health. But most people don’t realise that your gut is your second brain, and an unhappy, unsettled gut will lead to a stressed mind. Therefore, maintaining a healthy amount of gut bacteria has a positive impact on chronic stress and boosts mental health and cognitive function.

Key Takeaways

So, the next time life has a tantrum and your stress goes through the roof, don't sit there wallowing in worry, grab nature's chill crew. Whether it's a theanine moment, a probiotic power or a melatonin-fueled pause, let these tiny miracles do their thing. Add some deep breathing, a hearty laugh, and possibly a kitchen dance break. Because, sweetheart, stress might be unavoidable, but your peace? That's non-negotiable.

FAQs

1. How does magnesium help with stress and anxiety?

   Think of magnesium as your nervous system’s personal masseuse, it relaxes tight muscles, calms a racing mind, and even helps regulate cortisol (your stress hormone). Low on magnesium? You might feel extra jittery.

2. Is lavender really that calming, or is it just hype?

   Oh, it’s the real deal. Lavender is like a deep exhale for your brain, it soothes nerves, promotes relaxation, and even helps you sleep like a baby. Whether in pill form, essential oil, or a cosy cup of tea, this floral powerhouse is basically bottled serenity.

3. What makes Passionflower such a great stress reliever?

   Passionflower is the chill bestie you never knew you needed. It boosts GABA (a neurotransmitter that quiets brain chatter), making it perfect for easing restlessness, racing thoughts, and the dreaded 3 a.m. overthinking spiral.

4. Can ashwagandha really help with daily stress?

   This ancient adaptogen doesn’t just handle the stress, it balances it. Ashwagandha helps lower cortisol, improve focus, and even boost energy without the crash.

5. Is chamomile just for sleep, or does it help with anxiety too?

   While chamomile is famous for its snooze-inducing skills, it’s also a natural anxiety-buster. It helps ease tension, smooth out frayed nerves, and bring a gentle sense of calm like a warm hug in a cup.