Currently, over 19 million people, or one in eight Americans, suffer from some type of anxiety disorder. Women, in particular, are twice as likely to have anxiety as men (see the Anxiety Disorder Association of America for more information).

While there are numerous treatments available to deal with stress and anxiety, we believe that healing your body and mind doesn’t have to cost beaucoup bucks. Here are low-cost solutions to lower your blood pressure and bring peace back to your life:

• The healing powers of meditation cannot be understated. Luckily, many yoga studios offer free meditation sessions, which you can locate on Meetup or Yelp. If you prefer being at home, check out Learning Meditation for some simple techniques. You can also borrow or purchase Empowering Your Soul Through Meditation or, for teens, Just Say Om! by Soren Gordhamer.
• Speaking of Yoga… you can shop around for classes and studios on Yelp. Dropping in on a class can cost you as little as $10. Again, for at-homers, you can borrow or purchase Yoga videos. If you’re on Netflix, you can stream free Yoga videos, instantly. Check your local library for DVDs and tapes as well.
• Taking a stroll outside in the fresh air can do wonders for anxiety. Walking releases endorphins, which promote a general feeling of happiness in your brain.
• Support a healthy mind by keeping a gratitude journal. List five positive things that happened to you recently, then continue to write new, positive occurrences when they happen. This practice helps train your mind to focus on the good and minimize the negative. Pen and paper is fine but, mobile devices work as well to record your entries.
• Practice the 10-10-10 rule. When you’re feeling stressed, take a second to ask yourself how whatever you are feeling anxious about will affect you in 10 minutes, 10 months, or in 10 years. Many things that we stress about have little or no significance to us in 10 years.  The 10-10-10 rule is a great way to remind us of that.
• Take a hot shower or bath. Stepping into hot water is a great way to relax your muscles and your mind. Enhance the mood by using a pleasant smelling body wash, turning out the lights and lighting candles. A good, relaxing soak can distract your mind and ease your tensions in a heartbeat.
• Work up a sweat. Studies show that low to moderate impact exercise is a tremendous way to decrease tension and anxiety. Whether it’s running, swimming, kickboxing, or dancing, anything that gets your heart pumping and your blood moving is good for your body and mind.
• Talk to a supportive family member or friend. Keeping a close network of friends and family is a great way to ward off anxiety. Having the emotional support of another person or group of people is good for your well being.
• Spend time with your pets. Studies show that spending time with animals reduces anxiety. Whether it’s the soft fur, the “love me” eyes, the licks, or the general happiness of an animal, pets help people relax. Spend time with, or consider buying, a critter. You won’t be disappointed.

For more tips, check out Emotional Fitness and be sure to send us your best bets for relaxing below.