When it comes to stress and our mental health, looking after it, managing and maintaining it is key, and as we know there are many ways in which we can do that.
Visit any professional at the likes of therapist clinics or at a private rehab centre and you’ll be given a wealth of exercises, from the likes of yoga to breathing, you’ll be given coping mechanisms, and you’ll be given a routine for your day, encouraged to have set meal times and a healthy and balanced diet.
Many people don’t realise that what we eat can have a huge impact on our mental health and there are many foods out there, often known as “superfoods” that can really ease our stress levels.
So, if you are feeling anxious, stressed or down, then consider adding these superfoods to your diet…
Blueberries
Blueberries are small but mighty when it comes to combating stress. Packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, these tiny berries help to repair and protect cells from stress-induced damage. They also contain high levels of fibre, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels and maintain energy throughout the day, preventing crashes that can lead to irritability and stress. Incorporate blueberries into your diet by adding them to smoothies, and yoghurt, or simply enjoying them as a healthy snack.
Dark Chocolate
Good news for chocolate lovers: dark chocolate is a superfood that can help reduce stress. Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants that can lower blood pressure and improve circulation, leading to a calmer state of mind. Additionally, dark chocolate stimulates the production of endorphins, the body’s natural stress relievers, and contains serotonin, a neurotransmitter that can enhance mood. To benefit from its stress-reducing properties, choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content and enjoy it in moderation.
Avocado
While you may associate avocado with the hipster breakfast, they’re certainly getting it right with the fruit a rich source of many healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. They are packed with healthy fats like monounsaturated fats, crucial for brain health, as well as being high in potassium, vitamin B, and more.
Implementing them into your diet can be as simple as spreading them on toast, adding them to salads or even blending them into smoothies.
Green Tea
Green tea is renowned for its calming properties, thanks to an amino acid called L-theanine. L-theanine promotes relaxation and helps to reduce anxiety by increasing the production of alpha waves in the brain. Green tea also contains antioxidants called catechins, which can reduce stress by lowering levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Drinking a cup of green tea in the morning or afternoon can help to create a sense of calm and focus, making it a great addition to your daily routine.
Nuts
The likes of almonds, pistachios and walnuts are superb stress busters as they are full of healthy fats, vitamins B and E, as well as magnesium. The latter is an important player in regulating the body’s stress response. In fact, a magnesium deficiency can lead to increased stress and anxiety, so it’s important to ensure you have plenty in your diet.
Alongside the above, nuts are also a good source of protein and fibre, which can keep blood sugar levels stable and ensure you’re feeling full and satisfied. Perfect as a snack, or sprinkled on top of the likes of salad and Asian-inspired dishes, you’d be nuts not to start utilising them!
