Life can be tough. These days, more than ever, the stresses of the world really seem to be affecting people – yes, we can all thank COVID for that… The thoughts of deadlines and delays, mounting bills, or even what to do with your kids for school may seem to haunt you on a consistent basis. Feeling stressed and anxious almost seems part of the norm. On many days, it might make you not want to talk with other people, perform your daily tasks, or even eat healthily.
No matter what makes you feel down, whether that be another change in school plans or the attempts to Survive Divorce, your well-being is in your hands. In fact, more often than not, you’re the only person who can help you relieve your stress. So, if the negative thoughts are already absorbing you, you need to take action – now! Being in this damaging cycle definitely isn’t good, and can cause long term harm if not careful!
When seeking calm in a personal storm, people take different actions. Frequently, people will seek a quick fix. Turning to a bottle of wine or some hard booze may definitely seem to help – for a fleeting moment – and may make stress fade away. But is it a good solution?
Possibly an even more common solution? Turning to comfort food. You know, that pleasant feeling when a piece of milk chocolate melts in your mouth? For a second, all problems seem to go away, and a sense of bliss covers you like a warm blanket. But often, this one-piece turns into 20 and the cycle of stress eating begins.
Fortunately, it is not only chocolate, or other typical comfort foods for that matter, that make people feel happier. Scientists say that there are all sorts of products that can relieve stress – many of which are actually good for you!
So let’s dive into them! Here is a list of foods that should be in your fridge when you decide to say good-bye to your stressful life.
Avocuddle
You can mash them in guacamole, slice them into a salad, or make everyone’s new favorite toast. But there’s more to it than the fact that avocado is so versatile! It’s worth knowing that this adorable looking fruit (yes, avocado is not a vegetable) makes you feel happier. The omega-3 fatty acids that avocado contains are actually known to combat stress and anxiety as a natural antidepressant!
As a matter of fact, eating avocado boosts your mood a lot. Maybe that’s why Mexicans living in the country with the largest avocado production in the world are so jolly, energetic, and cheerful. Makes sense to me!
Salmon
Salmon and avocado have many more things in common than you might think. Both products not only taste great but similarly influence the way our body’s run.
This super delicious fish also consists of omega-3 fatty acids, which stabilize your mood. Therefore, its consumption will help you on your way to a stressless life.
Are You Nuts?
Almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pistachios… Grab them all if you want to relieve stress. Nuts are full of nutrients, including vitamin B. The intake of this group of vitamins is a must for those who need to combat anxiety and stress.
Not only do they stabilize your mood, but they also improve your memory, concentration, and other cognitive abilities. The fact that a walnut’s shape resembles the human brain is not a coincidence. This type of nut has a very positive impact on our brain and mood.
Nuts are delicious but also, unfortunately, rich in calories. If you don’t want your mood to worsen because of a couple of extra pounds, reduce this snack intake to a handful a day. The American Heart Association, for instance, recommends eating about four servings of unsalted nuts a week, although this can obviously be adjusted depending on the amounts of calories you get from other sources – it’s just something to be aware of.
Vitamin C
Numerous studies have shown that products rich in vitamin C also help relieve stress and combat anxiety. Therefore, such foods as lemons, parsley, papayas, strawberries, and oranges are great staples to keep in your fridge. Just make sure you’re not allergic to any of these foods because citruses are among the most common allergens for people. And while you can grow out of this – I did when I was young, too much definitely doesn’t make me feel great, so be cautious when loading up too much!
Valerian
Since ancient times, Valerian has been used as a natural remedy for anxiousness, sleeplessness, and stress. Nowadays, you can also consume valerian flowers, leaves, or roots. Prepare a hot valerian tea before going to sleep to help calm down your nerves and stabilize your mood. We all know how difficult it is to fall asleep when we undergo stressful periods in life!
However, those who own a cat should be careful with this product. For these pets, valerian is a strong stimulant. Its influence on the cat’s system is very similar to the euphoria humans experience after taking drugs. Therefore, keep this herb in a place where your cat doesn’t have access unless you want your pet to get high.
Final Thoughts
It is not a secret that coping with stress can be extremely difficult. Especially now, it often seems that life brings us more and more reasons to feel down. However, it’s important to remember that we only live once, and learning to be happy is our choice! Make the most out of your situations and always look for the positives and/or the learning lessons in all that you go through. They may be hard to see now, but they are there, just waiting for you to embrace them!
And remember that I am here to help too! As you can see, food is one of the things that can make our days a little bit more enjoyable – it’s just important you use it to your advantage! So let me show you how! Making smart dietary choices will not only make you feel happier, but they can even help you lose weight and become more energetic too!
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