• Relationship Skills Bootcamp
  • Services
    • 2-Day Couples Intensive
    • Weekly Couples Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
    • Individual Therapy
    • Community & Courses
      • Women’s Relationship Intelligence Community
      • Calming Your Fear of Conflict
  • About
    • About Risa Ganel
    • FAQs
    • Speaking
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • SCHEDULE CONSULT

8894 Stanford Blvd STE 103, Columbia, MD 21045 | Offering in-person sessions in Columbia, MD & on-line therapy for Maryland & Virginia residents

(410) 440-1413
Together Couples CounselingTogether Couples Counseling
  • Relationship Skills Bootcamp
  • Services
    • 2-Day Couples Intensive
    • Weekly Couples Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
    • Individual Therapy
    • Community & Courses
      • Women’s Relationship Intelligence Community
      • Calming Your Fear of Conflict
  • About
    • About Risa Ganel
    • FAQs
    • Speaking
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • SCHEDULE CONSULT
5 Natural Ways to Reduce Anxiety

5 Natural Ways to Reduce Anxiety

Couples Therapy

Anxiety can feel overwhelming, and finding ways to manage it without relying solely on medication is a common desire for many. While medication has its place, natural approaches that focus on building healthier relationships with yourself and others can also play a critical role in reducing anxiety. One such approach is Relational Life Therapy (RLT), which emphasizes the importance of relational dynamics and connection. Here are six natural ways to reduce anxiety, grounded in the principles of RLT.

1. Build Emotional Awareness Through Honest Communication

Relational Life Therapy teaches that anxiety often stems from unresolved emotional experiences and poor communication within relationships. One of the best ways to reduce anxiety is to begin expressing your feelings openly and honestly. This does not mean venting or saying whatever comes to mind without thought. Rather, it is about being vulnerable and sharing your feelings in a way that fosters understanding, not conflict.

When you allow yourself to communicate openly, you break the cycle of pent-up emotions that can contribute to anxiety. It also strengthens your connection with those around you, providing a support system to help you navigate anxious moments.

2. Develop Healthy Boundaries

Another foundational concept in RLT is boundary-setting. Anxiety often arises when we feel overextended or taken advantage of in our relationships. By learning to set clear and healthy boundaries, you protect yourself from emotional overload.

Boundaries may look different for each person, but they all serve the same purpose: protecting your emotional well-being. Whether it means saying “no” to additional tasks at work or taking time for yourself in a relationship, boundaries help you regain a sense of control. RLT encourages clients to approach boundaries as a way of fostering respect in relationships, rather than as something to fear or feel guilty about.

3. Practice Active Listening in Relationships

Active listening is a cornerstone of RLT and an effective way to reduce anxiety. When you practice active listening, you give your full attention to the speaker, focusing not only on their words but also on the feelings behind them. This allows for deeper connection and understanding in your relationships, which, in turn, can reduce the stress and anxiety caused by miscommunication.

By actively listening to others, you validate their feelings and create a space for open and supportive dialogue. This process helps eliminate the uncertainty and emotional tension that often feeds anxiety.

4. Engage in Physical Activity

While emotional and relational practices are essential for reducing anxiety, physical activity is also a powerful natural remedy. Exercise releases endorphins, which are known to improve mood and reduce stress. Whether it is a brisk walk, yoga, or an intense workout, moving your body helps regulate the physical responses that contribute to anxiety.

Incorporating physical activity into your routine also enhances your overall sense of self-efficacy, which is an important part of RLT. When you feel stronger physically, you are more likely to feel confident in your emotional relationships as well.

5. Establish Consistent Routines

A lack of structure can amplify feelings of anxiety, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and out of control. By establishing consistent daily routines, you create a predictable environment that can help soothe anxiety. This can include simple things like setting a regular bedtime, having structured mealtimes, or incorporating relaxation techniques into your day.

When you have a structured routine, you give yourself a sense of control over your environment. This can help lower anxiety, as you no longer feel as though things are happening to you without your input.

Conclusion

Reducing anxiety naturally requires an integrated approach that considers both your emotional and physical well-being. These techniques not only help reduce immediate stress, but also build healthier connections with those around you.

RLT encourages individuals to deepen their connections with others and work through relational difficulties, which can reduce the emotional weight that contributes to anxiety. To learn more about relational life therapy and find out if it’s right for you, contact my office!

Contact Us
Share

You also might be interested in

couple embracing and smiling on outdoor deck

Can You Become a Super Communicator?

May 24, 2024

The majority of couples answer my question, “What do you hope to get out of couples therapy,” the same way… “We want to communicate better.”

black and white images of hands together forming outline of brain

Quiz: Which Part of Your Body is Running your Relationship? Your Heart or Your Head?

Nov 28, 2022

Love…that’s why we are in a relationship, right? Because we're in love. 

woman wearing red flower dress writing in journal

A New Look at Selfishness

Mar 11, 2024

Emily, a stay-at-home mom of 4 children, said “My needs are a bother. I don’t want to burden him."

Contact Us

  • 8894 Stanford Blvd STE 103, Columbia, MD 21045
  • 410-440-1413
  • info@togethercouplescounseling.com

Connect With Us

Areas Served

Arlington, Annapolis, Columbia, Ellicott City, and throughout Maryland & Virginia

2025 Annapolis Moms Thumbs Up Business

badge with checkmark reading verified by psychology today
relational life therapy certified RLT couples therapist badge

© 2025 Together Couples Counseling · Maryland License #LCM033 | Virginia license #0717002144 · Privacy Policy · Terms Of Service · Good Faith Estimate Notice

Prev Next