When you look up the word stress, you’ll find it defined as “a feeling of emotional or physical tension. It can come from any event or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or nervous.” Everyone has something that’s stressing them out from time to time, whether it may be work, school, or home.
We all have that one thing that may stress us out from time to time, and there are many ways to cope with stress. Dealing with stress is different for everyone. While some may listen to music, others may get up and move around, or if you’re like me at times, I might indulge in food, and it calms me down.
Yes, I eat when I’m stressed, and it does help me calm down a bit. Some may not know, but some foods can help calm you down when you’re stressed. Of course, you don’t have to eat these foods when you’re stressed all the time, but there is such thing as stress-relieving foods, so maybe next time you’re feeling a little stressed, try one of these foods and see how you feel afterward.
Dark Chocolate
Some studies announced that people who gave themselves high ratings of stress begin to eat chocolate every day for two weeks began to experience low levels of stress hormones after eating the chocolate. I mean eating some chocolate to reduce stress does sound like a good idea to me.
Citrus Fruits
Studies also show that the intake in citrus fruits helps reduce stress levels. According to Mayo Clinic, “For adults, the recommended dietary reference intake for vitamin c is 65 to 90 (mg).” They help lower your blood pressure as well as relax your blood levels.
Herbal Teas
Drinking herbal teas can promote feelings of warmth and calmness. In an article by Everyday Health, according to Sandra Meyerowitz, MPH, RD, an online nutrition coach and owner of Nutrition Works in Louisville, Kentucky, “Drinking a warm cup of tea is one way to help make yourself feel calmer.”
I can vouch for this myself. I had had a cup of tea when feeling overwhelmed and stressed, and just taking that first sip, I just felt relaxed and not as tense as I was before.
Nuts
Nuts like almonds, pistachios, and walnuts are high in vitamin E and zinc, which are both excellent for boosting your immune system. They are also good sources of vitamin B, which helps the body manage stress. So, go ahead and crack open those favorite pistachios of yours and have a few and see how you feel afterward.
Fish
Fish is a big one, and they say that fish is one of the big ones to help you out when you are stressed. According to the Food Network, “The heart-healthy omega fats in fish such as salmon, sardines, and tuna manage adrenaline levels to help keep you calm, cool, and collected.” I mean, if you want to hit up those sardines, go ahead, but I think I might stick to salmon and tuna instead.
