The prices of over 400 drugs quietly went up an average of 5% just days after 2020 rolled in. Among the drugs with a higher price tag include treatments for ADHD and autoimmune diseases. The increase may seem small, but considering the fact that America already pays more for drugs than other countries, the price increases bring to light how pharmaceutical companies are in control.

Big Pharma continues to enrich itself off the very public that most need its help. Many individuals can’t afford basic healthcare and struggle with the high cost of medication. Low-income families may not have access to healthcare or insurance-provided affordable prescriptions.

If you take anti-anxiety medication, it may be in your best interest to examine the natural alternatives available that could replace the prescription drugs your doctor prescribes. According to Good RX, the average cash price of 60 tablets of Xanax is almost $33. There are free or less expensive ways individuals can cut out Big Pharma by turning to alternative therapies.

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Find a Holistic Practitioner

As with all health-related advice, you should always consult with a practitioner if you plan on making changes to your current medical treatments. If you’d like to explore more natural ways to prevent illness or treat a current condition, look for a doctor that’s open to alternative medicine such as a naturopathic doctor.

Naturopathic doctors study traditional medicine, biosciences, and alternative medicine. Nearly half the U.S. states require naturopathic doctors to be licensed and to earn licensing. The future naturopathic doctor must attend an accredited medical school for four years. Hands-on, in-residence medical programs require all naturopathic doctors to attend at least 4,100 hours of classes and clinical training.

The services of a naturopath are not for everyone, but they can often serve as the first point of contact in medical care for patients. Many of the duties a naturopath carries out are the same as those carried out by a general medical practitioner: administer immunizations, diagnose and treat minor medical issues, and consult with other healthcare professionals in order to deliver holistic care for their patients. They also natural medicines and remedies to treat patients per their field. And some insurance programs will cover their services, making insurers one of the best means of finding a naturopath if you want to begin care with one.

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Focus on Managing Stress

Stress and anxiety may be the root of many diseases and the reason why some ailments worsen. Some conditions caused by chronic stress include heart disease, ulcers, and a weaker immune system. Fortunately, there are ways you can reduce stress to improve your overall well-being without turning to prescription drugs.

It may require a multi-layered approach of several methods to find relief:

*Practicing Mindfulness and Relaxation

Following a guided meditation practice or taking just a few minutes per day to relax and unwind could help elevate your sense of well-being and settle feelings of anxiety or tension. You can use free apps for stress and anxiety to guide you, such as phone apps that play relaxing sounds of nature or apps that help you to breathe deeply.

Even if you have a busy schedule, you can take a few minutes to do your deep breathing and relaxation exercises nearly anywhere. If you’re at work, take a five-minute break a couple of times per day, or if you take public transportation, you can plug in your earbuds and listen to sounds of nature or a guided mediation practice on your way home.

*Using Anxiety Medicine Alternatives

For more severe cases of anxiety, a person may need more than mindfulness and relaxation to manage and reduce their symptoms. Doctors often prescribe patients with anti-anxiety prescriptions like Xanax.

Lavender essential oil and CBD are natural remedies that help many suffering from chronic stress, panic attacks, or anxiety. Diffuse lavender oil in your environment to promote a sense of peace and relaxation. Add a drop of lavender oil in your bathwater or onto your sleep pillow. As for CBD, you can receive its benefits by applying it topically as a lotion or consuming it as sublingual drops or edible gummies.

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Adding a Fitness Routine to Your Daily Schedule

Exercise is also key to managing stress and anxiety. A regular routine has other benefits as well such as strengthening your muscles and improving your flexibility. Physical activity produces endorphins, the brain chemicals that reduce pain and even improve your quality of sleep. There are a variety of exercises you can do depending on your health and fitness levels.

If you’re just starting out with an exercise routine, taking a daily half-hour walk or going for a swim may be a good start. Also consider practicing yoga using a guided podcast. If you’re more fit, you can run or join a gym for a full-body workout. Regardless of the type of fitness routine you choose, the key is routine. Make sure you exercise at least every other day. Your consistency will pay off with an improved sense of well-being in no time and a stronger body that can endure physical activity longer.

Make Stress Reduction a Part of Your Lifestyle

Whether your goal is to prevent illness caused by prolonged stress and anxiety or to wean yourself off of prescription drugs, living a wholesome, low-stress life is essential. You’ll need to add healthy habits into your daily schedule that promote well-being. Prioritize your health by taking time out for yourself each day and consult with a natural practitioner for guidance to effectively reach your goals.

About the Author

Ainsley Lawrence is a freelance writer that lives in the Northwest region of the United States. She has a particular interest in covering topics related to good health, balanced life, and better living through technology. When not writing, her free time is spent reading and researching to learn more about her cultural and environmental surroundings. Find her on Twitter.

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