8 Ways to Relieve Anxiety Without the Chill Pills

As a mother, anxiety is most likely almost second nature to you. Between work, bills, errands, carpools, cooking, cleaning and all those other responsibilities that we juggle every day, it may seem like popping an anti-anxiety pill is the simplest solution to our stress. Careful, though: Pills come with a myriad of pitfalls, including a slew of negative side effects like addiction, withdrawal, depression, cognitive impairment, hallucinations and other abnormal behavior. Before you slide down that slippery slope, why not stop and consider some of these natural alternatives instead?

Knock back some tea. Nothing calms the nerves like sipping a soothing cup of tea, especially since blends like chamomile and green tea contain compounds that actually bind to the same receptors as drugs like valium! Click here for five reasons to love green tea!

Grab some GABA. The supplement GABA has gained quite the reputation as an all-natural glutamate (a neurotransmitter that increases agitation) suppressor. Among its many benefits, it can drastically decrease excitability and stress when taken regularly! Learn more about GABA by clicking here.

Lather on the lavender. A drop or two of lavender oil applied to the insides of your wrists, temples or collar bone can go a long way in warding off unnecessary stress. The aroma has relaxing properties, and may even have a calming influence on the kiddos!

>> Read more: 10 Things To Know Before Using Essential Oils

Hit the gym. We all know that exercise releases calming endorphins, so the next time you're feeling overwhelmed and overworked, grab those tennis shoes and burn off some of that excess energy! If you're short on time, you can check out this turbocharged 30-minute total body workout!

"Om" it out. Studies have shown that participating in meditation on a regular basis or working on breathing techniques can actually decrease your anxiety! Experts claim that it is actually impossible to experience agitation during deep breathing. Don't believe us? Just give it a try! Check out these meditation basics to learn how deep breathing can improve your stress levels.

Snag a snack. People are more likely to experience feelings of anxiety when they are hungry, so the next time you feel overtaxed, try munching on a little something nutritious! For our favorite healthy snacks that won't undo your workout, click here!

Laugh out loud. Laughter — even if you have to fake it — releases dopamine, a chemical in the brain that triggers feelings of reward and pleasure. Next time you are feeling down, take a half an hour to indulge in your favorite sitcom or Google that comedian your friend has been raving about all week! Click here to learn why you should laugh more!

Make time for mom. Remember that taking time for yourself is absolutely essential to maintaining your mental health! Even if you can only block out an hour in the evening every week, use that time to indulge in one of your favorite activities. Read a book, get a massage, take a bubble bath. Just looking forward to these activities will go a long way in keeping those stress levels under control!

Stress management is all about mind over matter. Reaching for a bottle of pills may be convenient, but your mental and physical wellbeing could be at stake! Being mindful of what causes your stress and coping with your emotions naturally can offer a lot of relief! For more information, check out our sources: Health.com, Everyday Health, WebMD.