natural anxiety tips & tricks

Welcome back to Sunday Goods!

If you’re here, it’s probably because you’re looking for ways to calm that anxious mind and bring more peace into your daily life. And if that’s the case, I want you to know—you’re not alone.

Anxiety can be unpredictable. Some days, it’s just a quiet background noise, and other days, it feels like it’s running the whole show. It can sneak up in the middle of the night, hit while you’re in line at the grocery store, or make you feel like you’re constantly waiting for something bad to happen. And when it does, it’s easy to spiral—overthinking, feeling like your body is out of your control, wondering if you’ll ever just feel normal again.

I’ve been there. And while I don’t have all the answers, I have learned small, natural ways to help manage anxiety—both in the moment and in the long run. These aren’t instant cures, but they’re tools. And the more tools you have, the easier it is to navigate the hard moments.

So here are the little things that help me. Try what works for you, leave what doesn’t, and most importantly, be kind to yourself in the process.

Quick fixes for when anxiety hits

Sometimes, you don’t need a full-on mental health routine—you just need something to bring you back to the present right now. These are the little tricks I keep in my back pocket for those moments when I feel the anxiety creeping in.

Sour or Minty Distractions :

Taste is one of the fastest ways to interrupt anxious thoughts. I always keep sour candy or strong mint gum in my bag. The sudden, sharp flavor forces my brain to focus on something else for a second, which is often enough to break the cycle.

Vicks Vapor stick for instant grounding :

I know it sounds random, but menthol is strong. When my thoughts start to spiral, I grab a Vicks vapor stick, take a deep breath, and let the scent snap me back to reality. It’s a small trick, but sometimes, that’s all it takes.

Cold water reset :

There’s a reason people say, splash cold water on your face when you’re anxious. Cold sensations activate the vagus nerve, which tells your body to slow down. I always keep a cold water bottle with me—taking a sip, pressing it to my neck, or even holding an ice cube in my hand helps bring me back.

Protein for stability :

Low blood sugar can mimic anxiety—shakiness, dizziness, weakness—so keeping high-protein snacks nearby helps. Having something on hand keeps my body stable, which makes my mind feel more stable, too.

Fresh air & stabilizing yourself :

When I feel overwhelmed, I get outside. Fresh air, a change of scenery, and even just sitting somewhere stable (leaning against a wall, sitting on a bench) makes a difference. If I feel like I might pass out, I focus on deep breathing and reminding myself: This feeling is temporary.

Long-term natural remedies for anxiety

Anxiety isn’t just about the moments it happens—it’s also about what you do when you’re not anxious. These are small habits that have made a big difference in the way I feel overall.

Castor oil + heat for gut health :

Your gut and brain are directly connected, and when my gut feels off, my anxiety tends to be worse. One thing that has helped me is using a castor oil pack—a cloth soaked in castor oil that’s wrapped around the stomach and secured with a heat pad. It helps cleanse bacteria, support digestion, and reset the system. While castor oil can be messy, using a castor oil pack prevents staining and makes the process easier to incorporate into a nightly routine. (Just a heads-up: it does tend to get things moving by morning!)

Supporting gut health :

A balanced gut means a more balanced mind. Adding probiotic-rich foods, fiber, and plenty of water into my diet has helped regulate my digestion, which in turn helps stabilize my mood. The gut produces a significant amount of serotonin, so when it’s off, it can throw everything else off too. Keeping my digestion in check has made a noticeable difference in my anxiety levels.

Magnesium before bed :

Magnesium is known as the “relaxation mineral” for a reason. It helps calm the nervous system, eases muscle tension, and supports better sleep. I take magnesium glycinate every night, and I notice a huge difference in how my body feels the next day.

Cycle syncing for emotional balance :

Hormones play a huge role in anxiety. When I started tracking my cycle and adjusting my routine based on my hormonal shifts, my mental health improved. If you’re interested in learning more, I wrote a whole post about it [here]. (Insert link)

When you need extra support

While I focus on natural remedies, I also believe in not struggling unnecessarily. If I’m having a really bad anxiety day, I do keep two non-addictive, non-drowsy medications on hand:

Dicyclomine – Helps relax stomach muscles when anxiety causes cramping or shakiness.

Propranolol – A beta-blocker that helps when anxiety feels physically overwhelming (without the drowsy effects of a sedative).

I don’t rely on them daily, but I do appreciate having them as an option for when nothing else works.

Anxiety doesn’t mean you’re broken. It doesn’t mean you’re weak. And it definitely doesn’t mean you have to suffer alone.

You don’t have to make huge, drastic changes overnight. Start small. Keep something sour in your bag. Track how food affects your mood. Drink cold water when you’re overwhelmed. Try a new nighttime habit.

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s awareness. It’s building a toolbox full of things that help you feel safe in your own body. Over time, these little shifts add up, and suddenly, the weight of anxiety doesn’t feel so heavy anymore.

Your anxiety isn’t you. It’s just a visitor. And with the right tools, you’ll learn how to show it the door.

With care,

Elle