Health

When you’re feeling stressed, it can be hard to break out of the frame of mind. Sometimes, you can go for a run and experience momentary happiness and stress relief. Other times, that sense of calm and peace is a little harder to come by. Did you know that eating well can impact your mood, emotions, and motivation?

What you eat can determine whether your stress levels are low or high and whether you need more or less of different nutrients. For example, those who are experiencing increased levels of stress may need more magnesium, vitamin C and B, and selenium, than someone who is not at all stressed. Essentially, you can fight stress with food, and here’s how.

Herbal Tea

There’s a reason people offer distressed friends and family a hot drink. It can promote a sense of calm, decrease stress, and provide warmth. While many warm drinks can offer these feelings, herbal tea can do it that little bit better.

In times of stress, sit down with a cup of chamomile or lavender tea. These two herbal varieties promote a soothing effect far better than other types. You can then be in a better frame of mind to tackle your problems head-on.

Chocolate

Who would have thought that eating well to reduce stress meant you get to have chocolate? While you shouldn’t go overboard, the antioxidants in dark chocolate can be quite beneficial.

These antioxidants can reduce stress hormones in your body, while also affecting your emotional wellbeing as you indulge in a little treat for yourself. The purest form of dark chocolate is the best, with cocoa butter, cane sugar, and cacao beans, the most prominent ingredients.

Avocado

The omega-3 fatty acids in avocado can do more for your stress levels than you might have thought. While you’re probably going to feel a bit happier to indulge in avocado in your salad, you can also notice reduced stress levels too.

The omega-3 fatty acids can aid in anxiety and stress reduction, improved mood, and better concentration levels.

Whole Grains

Trying to function during the day when you’re feeling immense pressure and stress is not easy, but whole grains might be able to help. Research has shown that carbs can increase your serotonin hormone levels that allow people under pressure to focus and concentrate a bit better. Unrefined carbs are the better choice, such as sweet potato and whole grains.

Nuts

If anything and everything is making you feel immense stress, then look at whether or not you are eating well. If you aren’t, then include stress-busting snacks such as nuts. Any nut that contains vitamin B may be able to reduce stress.

Nuts and seeds also contain magnesium and can lower your blood pressure in some cases. Consume no more than a handful of nuts per day, and see if it makes any difference to your stress levels.

When you don’t feel in control of your stress levels, can’t concentrate, focus, or feel at peace, then ask yourself: am I eating well? If the answer is no, then it might be time to start. Food plays more of a part in your mental wellbeing than you might have thought.