Contributor: Bridgett Beau Johnson
Health is dependent on stress. Sadly, anxieties are a part of life as well. Their incidence may have grown a lot since the COVID-19 pandemic, but it has always been there. People may feel jittery, uneasy, and anxious. Since how you can quickly calm your nerves may have lasting effects on your wellbeing, you must discover ways — even food and drinks — to help soothe your spirit and help you find your peace. Get started with these delicious bites and gulps:
1. Raw fruits and veggies
A platter of fresh fruits and veggies served raw won’t hurt. It has been found as one of the best mood-boosting meals that could sidetrack depressive symptoms. On the other hand, ingestion of heavily processed food could bring your health down, and that includes your emotions. Some of the fruits and vegetables with mental health benefits, which you could eat alone or throw into your salad mix, include kiwi, carrots, apples, cucumbers, citrus, spinach, berries, and lettuce.
2. Kimchi and other fermented food
The favorite Korean side dish contains microbes, which help reverse the effects of stress. Yogurt, kefir, and raw apple cider vinegar may have the same effect.
3. Turmeric latte: the golden milk
Due to the potential anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric, some people consider golden milk as one of the best things you could have to enjoy a good night’s sleep. The spice, the organic ingredient in turmeric latte, may provide a warming effect that can potentially help improve mood, combat depression, and reduce anxiety. It is also one of the best bedtime rituals to enjoy a restful respite. Apart from this turmeric drink, you may also gain stress-reducing benefits from drinking herbal teas and other types of warm milk.
4. Food rich in vitamin C
Vitamin C and antioxidants make a strong pair against anxiety, stress, and depression. You can take advantage of their effects on your cognitive health by loading up on these fruits and vegetables:
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Brussels sprouts
- Grapefruit
- Bell peppers
- Tomatoes
- Spinach
- Winter squash
- Clementines
5. Dark chocolate
Now, this one’s a real treat. People know chocolates can make them feel good, but most of them are not aware that there’s a science to back the feeling of calm and happiness they get each time. You may also note that dark chocolate, which is lower in sugar content, is recommended for consumption. But still, within a controlled portion, especially if you have issues with diabetes and weight gain.
Help promote calm in your life by choosing what you eat and drink wisely for the entire day. Your diet has so much to do with your mental health. So, make sure that you boost your mood with the right food and beverage choices, not just before you sleep but for each meal of the day to exhaust their benefits. By doing so, you will not only keep your sanity but also keep your health in great shape. As you probably noticed, the food and drinks that boost the mood are also good choices for the body.
