Feeling “bleh” and stressed out with piles of tasks and deadlines? Feeling sluggish and in desperate need of some mental and physical nourishment? Believe me, I’ve experienced this countless times as well.
Ok here’s what you do… stop whatever that is you’re doing at the moment, sit back, take a couple of deep breaths, clear your mind and let’s slow things a bit (prepare your headset as well ‘coz I have a surprise for you later).
Before, I thought I couldn’t really do anything to manage stress while at work. I knew I had to do something in order to be more focused, productive and be happier while working. I did some research and found out that there are certain foods that I can bring in the office to munch away my stresses!
Yeah, the good news is that, happiness is within reach now and it’s totally possible for you to boost your sense of well-being inside the workplace by simply eating the following….
5. Almonds
A.K.A. The King of Nuts contains zinc (a major nutrient in maintaining a balanced mood), iron (which curtails brain fatigue) and healthy fats (which reduces anxiety).
When feeling stressed, crunching on almonds will help you get some of that aggression out. A good source of Vitamin B2 and E, as well as magnesium and zinc, almonds are high in unsaturated fat. Like vitamin C, vitamin E has been shown to fight the free radicals associated with stress, and in particular, those free radicals which cause heart disease.
4. Tuna
Next time you bring “baon” from home, prepare a nice and hearty tuna sandwich with you. Tuna is high in stress-fighting vitamins B6 and B12. It is also a good low-fat protein source and provides mood-boosting serotonin.
A 3-ounce serving of canned white tuna has about 800mg of Omega-3s, which research suggests may treat the kind of blues that leave you feeling low or anxious.
3. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate not only provides immediate eating pleasure, but it has a high percentage of cacao, which has more antioxidant power than any other foods. Eating dark chocolate every day reduces stress hormones, including cortisol in people who are highly stressed. Personally, I recommend you eat the ones with at least 65% Cacao for it has more antioxidants.
2. Bananas
Bananas provide you with a lot of energy, vitamin B6, tryptophan, iron, magnesium and potassium. A natural probiotic that’s high in fiber, and a regulator of blood sugar. Bananas are simply the best!
Eating one banana in the morning will fuel your body with enough magnesium (a stress-reducer) for the entire day! It won’t hurt to also eat a couple more during “merienda” breaks.
1. Coffee
Aaaaaahhhhh…. Coffee is practically a magic bean when it comes to mood lifting. Don’t you just love how a warm indulgent cup of Foamy NESCAFÉ Cappuccino
Here’s more reason to drink coffee everyday:
Coffee is rich in flavonoids, an antioxidant compound well-known for its antiviral, anti-allergic, anti-platelet, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor benefits.
Coffee enhances blood flow to the brain, which means it:
- Enhances mental alertness
- Motivates ideas and concentration
- Lessens mental fatigue
- Sharpens mental reflexes
- Increases general happiness
- Promotes a sense of well-being
How about taking your regular coffee break a notch higher? To make your coffee breaks more laid back and relaxing, I recommend you check out this whimsical and hypnotic music video featuring a rendition of the classic Eraserheads song “With A Smile” sung by The Voice contestant Moira Dela Torre and directed by the renowned cosplay photographer, Jay Tablante. The film features beautifully rendered art in every frame.
Experience this wonderful work of art for yourself by visiting the NESCAFÉ facebook page www.facebook.com/nescafe.
Feeling better now? Next time you go to the grocery, remember to put these on your shopping list, bring them with you to work and savor them with your office buddies during coffee breaks.
