Anxiety can be a real drag. It can make it hard to focus, sleep, and generally enjoy life. While there are many ways to manage anxiety, from therapy to medication, some people turn to alternative methods for relief, or even seek solace in books for anxiety and depression.
One such method involves using crystals. The idea is that crystals have unique vibrational properties that can promote relaxation and ease anxiety symptoms. People have used crystals for healing and well-being for centuries, and while scientific evidence is limited, many find them to be a comforting and helpful tool.
If you’re curious about using crystals for calming anxiety, this article is for you. We’ll explore some popular crystals, how to use them, and what to keep in mind as you explore this complementary approach to anxiety relief.
Crystals and anxiety: An introduction
Crystal healing is an ancient practice. People throughout history have used crystals for their healing and protective properties. It’s believed that each crystal has its own unique energy and vibration. Advocates say these energies can interact with your body’s energy field to promote healing and well-being.
It’s important to note that many people find crystal healing helpful, but its effectiveness often depends on your personal beliefs and intentions.
Anxiety is a common condition that can cause excessive worry, fear, and nervousness. It can show up in different ways, such as generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and sleep-related anxiety. For many people, anxiety can affect their ability to sleep, focus, and perform daily activities.
If you have anxiety, it’s important to seek medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Crystal healing can be a helpful addition to your treatment plan, but it shouldn’t take the place of seeing a doctor or therapist.
How Crystals Can Help with Anxiety
Advocates say that crystals work by interacting with your body’s energy field to bring you emotional balance. Think of it as aura cleansing or chakra alignment.
So how can you use crystals to help with anxiety?
- Carry crystals. Some people keep crystals in their pockets or purses to have them nearby for quick relief.
- Wear crystals. Crystal pendants, bracelets, and rings keep the crystal in contact with your skin.
- Place crystals in your home or workspace. You can arrange crystals around your home or office to create a calming environment.
- Meditate with crystals. Holding or focusing on a crystal during meditation can deepen your practice.
It’s important to choose crystals that resonate with you. Different people find different crystals helpful, so trust your intuition.
Top Crystals for Calming Anxiety: Properties and Uses
Crystals are believed to hold different energetic properties that can influence your mental and emotional state. While scientific evidence is limited, many people find comfort and relaxation using crystals as part of their self-care routine. Here are some popular choices for calming anxiety:
Amethyst
- Properties: Amethyst is known for its calming and stress-reducing properties. It’s also said to promote spiritual growth and protect you from negative thoughts.
- Uses: Wear amethyst as jewelry to keep its energy close. Carry a small piece in your pocket, or place it in your living or workspace. Amethyst is also a popular crystal to use during meditation.
Rose Quartz
- Properties: Rose quartz promotes self-care, compassion, emotional healing, and self-love.
- Uses: Wear rose quartz as jewelry to encourage self-compassion throughout the day. Place it in your home or workspace to create a loving and supportive environment.
Black Tourmaline
- Properties: Black tourmaline is believed to offer protection from negative energy and promote grounding.
- Uses: Carry black tourmaline in your pocket to create a barrier against negativity. Place it in your home or workspace to create a safe and grounded atmosphere. Black tourmaline can also be used during meditation to help you stay present and connected to the earth.
Lapis Lazuli
- Properties: Lapis lazuli fosters self-awareness and mental clarity.
- Uses: Wear lapis lazuli as jewelry to enhance your self-awareness. Place it on your work desk or in your meditation space to encourage clarity and focus.
Citrine
- Properties: Citrine encourages positivity, optimism, and confidence.
- Uses: Wear citrine as jewelry to boost your mood and confidence. Place it in your home or workspace to create a cheerful and uplifting environment.
Aquamarine
- Properties: Aquamarine promotes serenity and clear communication.
- Uses: Wear aquamarine as jewelry to promote calmness and clear expression. Place it in areas where you spend a lot of time to create a peaceful atmosphere.
Lepidolite
- Properties: Lepidolite contains lithium, a naturally calming mineral, and is thought to reduce mood swings.
- Uses: Hold lepidolite during meditation to promote relaxation. Place it under your pillow for a more restful sleep.
Sodalite
- Properties: Sodalite promotes rational thinking and self-acceptance.
- Uses: Wear sodalite as jewelry to encourage logical thought. Place it in your living or working spaces to create an environment of self-acceptance and understanding.
Jasper
- Properties: Jasper provides grounding and stability.
- Uses: Wear jasper as jewelry to feel more grounded. Place it in your home or workspace to create a stable and secure environment.
Other Crystals to Consider
Other crystals that are sometimes used for anxiety relief include Celestite (for peace and tranquility), Moonstone (for emotional balance), Kyanite (for releasing blockages), Hematite (for grounding and protection), and Blue Lace Agate (for calming and soothing energy).
How to use crystals for anxiety relief
Crystals are believed to have healing properties. If you’re interested in using crystals to ease your anxiety, here are a few ideas:
Everyday ways to use crystals
- Carry crystals in your pocket or purse. You can use them as worry stones to rub when you’re feeling anxious.
- Wear crystal jewelry to keep the crystal’s energy close to you.
- Put crystals under your pillow to help you sleep better.
- Create a crystal grid in your home or workspace. Crystal grids are arrangements of crystals that are thought to amplify their energy.
Crystal meditation techniques
- Meditate with crystals. Focus on your intentions for healing and anxiety relief.
- Hold crystals during meditation to help you feel calm and focused.
- As you meditate, imagine the crystal’s energy flowing through your body to release anxiety.
Crystal combinations
Some people believe that combining crystals can amplify their benefits. Here are a few combinations you might try:
- Amethyst and rose quartz for emotional healing.
- Black tourmaline and smoky quartz for protection from negative energy.
- Lepidolite and moonstone for calming and relaxation.
Choosing and caring for your crystals
Selecting the right crystals
When you’re choosing crystals, it’s important to trust your gut. What are you drawn to? Consider the color and shape of the crystals and what those attributes might mean to you. To ensure you’re getting authentic crystals, buy from sellers with a good reputation.
Cleansing and charging your crystals
To keep your crystals working effectively, you’ll need to cleanse and charge them regularly. Here are some ways to cleanse your crystals:
- water
- sunlight
- moonlight
- sage
And here are some ways to charge your crystals:
- sunlight
- moonlight
- sound
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best crystal for anxiety?
There isn’t a single “best” crystal, as individual experiences vary. However, some popular choices for anxiety include amethyst, known for its calming and soothing properties; lepidolite, which contains lithium, a mood-stabilizing mineral; and blue lace agate, believed to promote tranquility and communication. Ultimately, the most effective crystal is the one you resonate with most.
What Stone gets rid of anxiety?
It’s important to understand that crystals don’t “get rid of” anxiety in a magical sense. Instead, they can be used as tools to support relaxation and emotional well-being. Stones like rose quartz, known for promoting self-love and compassion, and howlite, thought to reduce stress and tension, are often used to ease anxious feelings. Remember to combine crystal work with other healthy coping mechanisms.
What is the best crystal for mental health?
Again, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as mental health is complex and multifaceted. For general well-being, amethyst is often recommended for its calming effects, while clear quartz is believed to amplify positive energy and intentions. Green aventurine is associated with emotional healing and balance. Consider your specific mental health needs and choose crystals that align with those intentions, while consulting with mental health professionals as needed.
The bottom line
Crystals may offer a complementary way to soothe everyday anxiety, but it’s a good idea to combine crystal work with other self-care strategies like exercise, meditation, and spending time in nature.
If your anxiety is interfering with your daily life, consider reaching out to a mental health professional, and consider practicing meditation for stress. They can help you develop tools to manage your anxiety.
There’s a whole world of crystals to explore, so have fun finding the stones that resonate most with you!