5 Stress-Relieving Foods That You Should Eat

Days are so packed with things to do that it feels like you never slow down.

Meals are gulped down or eaten on the run, important phone calls are made while driving to and from locations, and you try to squeeze in chores like folding laundry while sitting down “to relax.”

It's no wonder you're stressed!

Sometimes, if you can stop for a few minutes, you can de-stress. But often, that is not always possible.

If you can't slow your day down, why not add some stress-relieving foods to it? That way you can reap the benefits, while you're rushing about your busy day.

Here Are 5 Foods That You Can Consume to Help Combat Stress:

Spinach

Spinach is full of B vitamins such as folate, and minerals such as magnesium and iron, and some much-needed fiber.
Eat spinach raw for maximum vitamin and mineral content. Spinach is easy to prepare as a salad for your lunch. Just add your favorite salad dressing, and you have a healthy, tasty food that is recognized for its stress-relieving properties.
Studies have shown that folate, found in spinach, can help improve mood and the effects of stress, thus reducing depression for many people.
The magnesium in spinach can replenish your body's stores, resulting in fewer headaches and exhaustion, both things that can occur due to stress.

Almonds

Almonds are an excellent snack while working. They're a good source of B vitamins, which helps your body to increase its natural production of serotonin. Serotonin is a “feel-good” brain chemical (neurotransmitter) that is known for regulating moods, appetite, and other processes in your body.
Even though almonds are high in fat, it is the heart-healthy, monounsaturated type. This heart-healthy fat found in almonds may help lower the unhealthy (LDL) cholesterol, and increase the healthy (HDL) cholesterol.
Almonds also contain Vitamin E, an important vitamin for fighting illnesses that can be triggered by stress.

Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are so high in fiber, beta-carotene and other vitamins, and minerals such as iron, calcium, and potassium, that they have the highest nutritional content for all vegetables.
Sweet potatoes have a low glycemic index, meaning that they do not cause spikes in your blood glucose levels. In other words, glucose is released slowly into your bloodstream after you eat sweet potatoes. Keeping blood sugar levels steady, is key in prevention of irritability that can occur when stressed.
Sweet potatoes are a healthy food option, as they satisfy your cravings for carbohydrates and sweets that often occur during times of stress.

Tea

Both black and green teas have been shown to reduce stress by promoting relaxation in individuals who drink them.
The act of brewing the tea itself can reduce stress, if you associate the brewing with your relaxation time.
Green tea, in particular, contains an amino acid (l-theanine) that promotes mental and physical relaxation.

Salmon

Fatty fishes, such as salmon, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
The only way your body gets omega 3's is by eating those foods that contain them.
Omega-3's are known to prevent your stress hormones (cortisol and adrenaline) from peaking and invoking stress responses.

These are a sampling of many stress-relieving foods that exist.

Try incorporating spinach or salmon into a quick lunch salad. Keep a small bag of almonds at your desk or at your place of work for snacking, and wash them down with a soothing cup of green tea.

Lastly, adding in a sweet potato or two to your meals during the week, can help keep your blood glucose from spiking, keep your cravings for carbohydrates under control, and reduce irritability during times of stress.