The B-vitamins in bananas, like folate and vitamin B6, are key to the production of serotonin, which can help improve your mood and reduce anxiety. For an extra stress-busting boost, top bananas with almond, peanut, or cashew butter.
Blueberries
When we're anxious and stressed, our bodies crave vitamin C to help repair and protect our cells, and blueberries are packed full of it. Small but mighty, blueberries are bursting with antioxidants and vitamin C that have been shown to provide anxiety relief.
Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins, which help calm the nervous system. PMS: The vitamin B6 that bananas contain regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
Foods naturally rich in magnesium may, therefore, help a person to feel calmer. Examples include leafy greens, such as spinach and Swiss chard. Other sources include legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Foods rich in zinc such as oysters, cashews, liver, beef, and egg yolks have been linked to lowered anxiety.
Eating 1 or 2 bananas an hour before presenting provides you with potassium, helping you to relax your muscles (and mind), alleviate your stress and focus on delivering a great presentation.
And as luck would have it, I got accepted into the class! So next time you've got a performance or are about to take an exam, make sure you're eating TWO bananas about 30 minutes beforehand. Trust me, you won't be disappointed and your anxiety levels will thank you.
Find relaxation or meditation apps that appeal to you and give them try. Just breathe: Inhale and exhale slowly, evenly, and deeply for several breaths. Change your position: “Whatever you're doing, do the opposite,” Kissen says. “If you're hunched over with worry, stand up and take a Wonder Woman pose.
Bananas contain high levels of tryptophan, an amino acid, which is converted into serotonin in your body. Serotonin is the feel-good, brain neurotransmitter, which makes you feel happy!
Another popular myth that is widespread on the Internet is that bananas improve mood because of their serotonin content. Although it is true that bananas contain serotonin, it does not cross the blood–brain barrier.
Medical research has linked magnesium to reduced anxiety. Magnesium helps you to relax by stimulating the production of melatonin and serotonin which boost your mood and help you sleep. Magnesium also reduces the production of cytokines and cortisol, which lead to increased inflammation and stress.
Dark chocolate
Research suggests dark chocolate is beneficial in lowering anxiety symptoms. In one 2014 study , eating just 40 grams per day (around two to three squares) was shown to reduce stress levels.
Besides the homey warmth of this true comfort food, milk has loads of B vitamins that reduce anxiety and improve mood. For instance, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) raises serotonin levels to perk you up.
Studies suggest that honey might offer antidepressant, anticonvulsant and anti-anxiety benefits. In some studies, honey has been shown to help prevent memory disorders.
One important step in reversing the anxiety cycle is gradually confronting feared situations. If you do this, it will lead to an improved sense of confidence, which will help reduce your anxiety and allow you to go into situations that are important to you.
Difficult experiences in childhood, adolescence or adulthood are a common trigger for anxiety problems. Going through stress and trauma when you're very young is likely to have a particularly big impact. Experiences which can trigger anxiety problems include things like: physical or emotional abuse.
“Vitamins B, C, and (water soluble) magnesium have been impactful for many who have anxiety and depression. It's important to remember that supplements and medications are proven aids at decreasing symptoms.
Research still doesn't fully support taking magnesium for treating anxiety. This means that no minimum or maximum dosage is recommended specifically for anxiety. However, according to a 2017 review , the average doses used in studies ranged between 75 to 360 milligrams (mg) each day.
Foods (and drinks) that are stress- and anxiety-provoking
Caffeine. Sugary drinks and foods. Processed foods, such as chips, cookies, frozen foods and ready-made meals. Foods high in trans fats and excessive saturated fats, such as fried foods, red meat, full-fat dairy, butter and baked goods.
In addition to reducing feelings of anxiety, yogurt has also been found to reduce inflammation in the body. Some researchers suggest that chronic inflammation may contribute to mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.
Eggs also contain tryptophan, an amino acid that helps in creating serotonin. The essential neurotransmitter regulates your mood, sleep, memory, and behavior. Serotonin also improves your brain function and relieves anxiety. You can include boiled eggs in your breakfast to relieve stress.