Taking magnesium may be beneficial for anxiety as it is needed for hundreds of reactions in your body. The mineral supports relaxation of muscles which assists with restlessness and irritability. Using magnesium supplements is a helpful way to manage anxiety. Both foods and supplements may help to increase your magnesium levels which will help to support a sense of calm. Reference: a 2017 systematic review concluded that existing evidence is suggestive of a beneficial effect of magnesium supplementation on subjective anxiety. Boyle NB, Lawton C et al. The effects of magnesium supplementation on subjective anxiety and stress – a systematic review. Nutrients 2017 May; 9(5): 429