Some stress buster foods you should eat

Learn how to cope with stress by arming yourself with these stress-busting scents and soothing foods

If you’re feeling stressed, take heart: what you eat and smell may help you de-stress. “The part of the brain that processes odors is very close to the (part that houses) emotions and memories.

So when you sniff something you like, you tend to breathe more deeply, your blood pressure lowers and your heart rate slow—all of which relax you. Eating some foods may help relax you too.

So arm yourself with these soothing scents and tasty foods to cope when you are stressed.

Sip on Tea

Drinking caffeinated black, green or oolong tea varieties may elicit a more alert state of mind, says a study in The Journal of Nutrition. Researchers think thiamine—an amino acid present in these tea varieties—may work synergistically with caffeine to improve attention and focus.

To reap the benefits, the study’s results suggest drinking five to six (8-ounce) cups of tea daily.

Green Tea

While it does contain caffeine, green tea also has an amino acid called theanine. Researchers at the University of Illinois say that in addition to protecting against some types of cancer, this slimming food is a brain booster as well, enhancing mental performance.

 Drink two cups each day.

Nibble on Chocolate

Recent research shows eating dark chocolate can help reduce levels of cortisol and catecholamine’s (hormones associated with stress), especially for those with high anxiety. Go easy, though: chocolate is caloric-ally dense—eating too much can pack on the pounds and that can lead to more stress.

Yogurt with Berries

Find the creaminess you desire in plain low-fat Greek yogurt. It’s a great source of energizing protein and calcium, which your body needs to release feel-good neurotransmitters.

 Add fresh berries for sweetness and a mega-dose of stress-busting antioxidants and immunity-boosting vitamin C.

Smoothies

Get your caffeine fix by blending java with soy milk (the fol ate it contains may boost serotonin levels), unsweetened cocoa powder (cue the dopamine, as with coffee), and a ripe banana (potassium lowers blood pressure).

Oranges

Another vitamin C powerhouse, oranges have the added benefit of being totally portable. That tough skin keeps them protected while they're bouncing around in your purse or backpack, meaning you can tote them anywhere. Experiment with all the varieties—clementines, tangelos, Mineola’s

Sniff an Apple

If you like the smell of green apples, embracing their aroma may help alleviate headaches, according to preliminary research. In one small study, people with chronic migraines reported some pain relief after inhaling green-apple fragrance at the start of a headache.

Last but not the least most important one is-----

Stay Hydrated!

Hydration is very important for de-stressing and maintaining energy balance. Drink sufficient water throughout the day, this can bring your stress level down.

Ideally 2 litres – 3 litre of water should be compulsory.

One must avoid nicotine, alcohol, foods rich in omega 6, refined carbohydrates and caffeine to balance the stress level. 

Other than nutrition, physical activities like exercise or swimming help to recover from the stress and also, adequate quality sleep helps to reduce anxieties and stress