How do you beat anxiety? How do you calm yourself after a stressful situation? Some people take a run. Some go to the movies to relax. Some down a few rounds of drink. Here are healthier options you can find straight in your pantry or make in your own kitchen. Instead of reaching for the phone to order a box of pizza, here are better alternatives you can look into.
1. Salmon
A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids helps keep cortisol and adrenaline from spiking when you’re feeling tense. Instead of grabbing a cup of instant noodles, head on to your kitchen and cook a satisfying bowl of salmon with spicy miso broth. Not only is cooking itself a soothing activity, salmon is one of the very best sources of omega-3s, which protects your heart when those stress hormones are surging. Click here to find some easy salmon recipes.
2. Asparagus
Depression has been linked to low levels of folic acid, a nutrient asparagus is rich with. Up your cooking skills and sauté some asparagus tips for a tasty omelet or opt for a healthier and quicker dish by steaming these beautiful spears. With a tasty dip, you have yourself an easy meal and an instant pick-me-up.
3. Avocado
Avocados are rich in stress-relieving B vitamins and potassium, which help lower blood pressure. Simply spread it over a toasted slice of bread for a quick bite or delve into the therapeutic process of making these sumptuous vegetable rolls. Eliminate all stress and calm your nerves with the laborious process of washing these vegetables, slicing them and rolling them up. Roll and eat your stress away.
4. Banana
Instead of reaching for a pack of chips the next time you feel antsy, reach for a banana. This fruit is packed with vitamin B6, which helps the brain produce mellowing serotonin to get you through a crisis without panicking. It wouldn’t hurt either to eat this with a spoonful of non-fat ice cream to get you giddy instantly.
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5. Oatmeal
A complex carbohydrate, oatmeal is one healthy breakfast staple that causes your brain to produce serotonin, a feel-good chemical that also helps create a soothing feeling that overcomes stress. Go with thick-cut and cook it the old-fashioned way so it takes longer to digest and so the calming effect lasts longer. Mix it with slices of bananas or a spoonful of peanut butter to make your bowl a happy bowl.
6. Cashews
Cashews are an excellent source of zinc. In fact, a 1-ounce serving already has 11% of your RDA. And because low levels of zinc have been linked to both anxiety and depression, this has been proven to help with tense situations. Chop a handful and toss them into an Asian stir-fry or simply mix it with a bowl of granola and berries.
7. Chocolate
Chocolate has an undeniable effect on mood. Dark chocolate, in particular, is known to lower blood pressure, adding to a feeling of calm. Allow yourself a bar of chocolate or a decadent slice of moist chocolate cake during your lowest and instantly feel your mood lift. Even in the wizarding world, chocolate has been known as a cure to nasty dementor attacks.
8. Milk
A glass of warm milk before bed is a time-tested remedy for insomnia and fidgetiness. You don’t have to wait for bedtime, however. Chug a glass of milk anytime and feel better. That’s because milk is high in antioxidants, vitamins B2 and B12, as well as protein and calcium. Pair it with your favorite batch of cookies and forget what it was you were even stressing out about.
Who needs fatty Chinese take-out when you can simply gulp down a glass of milk and feel a dozen times better?
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