Life is stressful. There is no denying it. Most people can hardly get through the day without feeling the effects of stress overwhelm them. Relaxation helps of course, but most of us don’t have the time to fit in a mediation session in our busy schedule. Fortunately, for all of your busy bodies out there, there are some foods that you can snack on during the day that can significantly reduce your stress and anxiety levels.
1-Nuts
Nuts are full of protein and energy, but did you know that some nuts can affect your mood? A lot of people don’t have enough of the chemical selenium in their bodies and a deficiency in that particular chemical can lead to anxiety and even depression. It’s not a good idea to eat a ton of nuts a day because even if they are good for you, they do contain a lot of calories. Two Brazilian nuts or a handful of mixed nuts will provide you with all the selenium your body needs, so there is no need to go overboard.
2-Spinach
Chopping up some spinach on a separate cutting board and adding it to your favorite salad is a good idea if you want to feel looser, literally. Spinach contains magnesium, which can help our bodies relieve stress by calming down our nervous system and our muscles. It’s better to favor fresh spinach over cooked spinach. Try to eat at least one cup of fresh spinach a day in order to get your daily dose of magnesium.
3-Dark chocolate
Easter is just around the corner. If your loved ones are planning to give you chocolate during the holiday, ask if they could purchase dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate. Dark chocolate isn’t everyone’s cup of tea because it’s a little bitterer than its milky cousin, but it has advantages that other chocolates don’t. Dark chocolate is rich is tryptophan, a chemical that is used by the body in order to relax the brain. The higher the cocoa content, the better you will feel.
4-Tea
People who have difficulty managing their anxiety might want to transform their morning cup of coffee into a morning cup of tea. Tea has been used throughout centuries for its healing proprieties. In truth, tea contains a lot of L-theanine, an amino acid that can reduce stress and relax the body. If your day at office is a little more stressful than usual, sip on a cup of green tea to reduce your stress and anxiety levels. Not only can tea calm you down, it can also help you live a longer life because it prevents cardiovascular disease, is good for high blood pressure and it helps with weight loss.
http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/wellbeing/175395/Foods-to-help-you-relax