Citrus Fruits and Strawberries Contain Vitamin C, Which Help Fight Stress. Some studies have found that high levels of vitamin C may help ease stress levels.
Stress-relieving foods. Foods that are promoted on the Mediterranean diet are the same foods that are good to eat when you're stressed: fish, poultry, fruits, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats.
How food affects stress and anxiety. “Eating foods such as processed meats, high sugar foods, caffeine and alcohol, which provide little nutritional value, have been associated with more psychiatric symptoms and can increase cortisol levels—our primary hormone responsible for stress,” she said.
Usually, coffee feels good in the short term, but too much of it can backfire. Since coffee inhibits the absorption of adenosine (a hormone that calms the body), it makes you alert and feel awake. It can also increase the production of cortisol, the stress hormone, which can gear you up for the task at hand.
Bananas can reduce anxiety because they're natural beta-blockers. This means that when you eat a banana, they prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors. This slows nerve impulses to the heart and counteracts the effects of adrenaline to keep a lower heart rate and calmer state of mind.
This study noted that the people eating either dark or milk chocolate lowered the stress they felt by two to three points. Researchers also found that the stress-relieving effects of these two chocolates was greater for females than males.
A balanced diet can support a healthy immune system and the repair of damaged cells. It provides the extra energy needed to cope with stressful events. Early research suggests that certain foods like polyunsaturated fats including omega-3 fats and vegetables may help to regulate cortisol levels.
The best stress-relieving drinks include ginger, chamomile tea, valerian, black tea, coconut water, milk, green tea, coffee, lemon balm tea, water, and vegetable and fruit juice. Aromatherapy is another self-soothing practice shown to have benefits for mental health. You can read more about it here.
“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.
Stress can cause an imbalance of neural circuitry subserving cognition, decision making, anxiety and mood that can increase or decrease expression of those behaviors and behavioral states. This imbalance, in turn, affects systemic physiology via neuroendocrine, autonomic, immune and metabolic mediators.
Strategies to recover from chronic stress can include practicing mindfulness activities such as meditation and breathing exercises. People can also have a support system composed of family and friends, as well as a counselor or a psychiatrist if needed. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication to reduce stress.
Breathe in, breathe out — repeat for a calm mind. Start with four breaths, breathing in through your nose for a count of four and out through your mouth for a count of eight. Cover your alarm clock, move your phone to the other room or put your smartwatch to sleep.
Good stress, or eustress, is the type of stress you feel when you're excited. Your pulse quickens and your hormones surge, but there is no threat or fear. You might feel this type of stress when you ride a roller coaster, compete in a game, or go on a first date.
Teas, including black, green, oolong, white, purple, and pu-erh, can all help fight symptoms of anxiety and stress. Since tea also contains caffeine, the combination of the caffeine and l-theanine is said to produce clarity and focus that helps soothe the mind and increase mental performance.