Have you been feeling stressed out at work lately? Or maybe bogged down by summer classes and internships? No matter where we are, stress seem to follow us around: at work, in school, and sometimes even at home. Stress buildup can get very annoying and problematic, often causing undesirable results. So, what can you do to relieve the stress? You can try some of these “happy foods” to help reduce stress and anxiety!
5 Happy Foods That Can Help Reduce Stress
5. Avocado
Avocado-lovers, rejoice! Avocado helps reduce stress build up by supplying our bodies with stress-reducing Vitamin B. According to mensfitness.com, anxiety may be caused by the lack of vitamin B, which keeps our nerves and brain cells healthy. With the right amount, it can reduce the risk of suffering from anxiety-related disorders and unnecessary stress. That’s not all: avocados are high in monounsaturated fat and potassium which help lower blood pressure.
Photo grabbed from: authoritynutrition.com
4. Spinach
Do you remember the cartoon character Popeye? Remember how he gets really strong after eating a can of spinach? Although eating a can of spinach won’t give you instant super-human strength, it has another beneficial purpose: it helps the body fend off stressors. Spinach contains magnesium, which keeps cortisol – the body’s resident stress hormone – from increasing. If spinach isn’t your thing, other leafy green vegetables can be good substitutes.
Photo grabbed from: theprobar.com
3. Walnuts
If you’re busy stressing out at work and just want something to grind your teeth on, walnuts are a good choice. According to health.com, “A recent Spanish study found that those who ate a daily 1-ounce combo of walnuts, hazelnuts, and almonds had more of this feel-good substance [serotonin] than a nut-free group.” Not only do walnuts (or other types of nuts) calm your mood down by crunching down on something hard, they’re also some of the greatest sources of serotonin, a chemical released by our brains to help create a calm and happy mood. This makes them one of the best stress relievers out there.
Photo grabbed from: www.drweilblog.com
2. Salmon
Salmon and other fatty fish are other good source of stress-relieving chemicals. Fatty fish contains large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which help improve one’s mood, in general.
Photo grabbed from: www.cwirthy.com
1.Chocolate
The number one spot goes to my all-time favorite mood booster: dark chocolate. It’s a well-known fact that chocolate boosts the mood because it contains sugars that boost serotonin in the body. However, research shows that dark chocolate in particular doesn’t only release serotonin, but alsos help lower stress hormones in the body. This dual action makes dark chocolate one of the best choices for stress relief. Plus, it can satiate your sweet tooth.
Photo grabbed from: www.playbuzz.com
There you go! 5 happy foods that can help you during those stressful hours. Why not try to mix and match these super foods for extra happiness and healthy body? Which of these is your favorite happy food? We’d like to hear from you in the comment box below!
