Don't Say You Didn't Know: 5 Natural Tips to Relieve Stress

When we enter a state of anxiety and stress, our brain engages in 'catastrophic thinking.' It tells us that everything will get much worse than it is now, trapping us in a negative loop that's hard to break. Difficult, but not impossible.

What do we do at those critical moments, standing on the brink of collapse? Well, many methods are accessible in our generation: guided imagery, a warm bath, breathing and relaxation exercises, vigorous physical activity that releases serotonin, and more.

But there are also natural foods that can help (and also a small, practical tip you might want to start with):

1. Sweet Potatoes

Besides their delightful taste, sweet potatoes contain high levels of substances that help relieve stress, such as vitamins A, C, and B. In some cases, these vitamins have been proven to lower high blood pressure, often associated with stress and anxiety.

2. Dark Chocolate and Cocoa

No, it's not just a cliché—giving kids a piece of dark chocolate before a test. Tryptophan is a substance responsible for relaxing the brain, found in abundance in dark chocolate and cocoa compared to other foods. Therefore, it's good to consume it (cautiously, of course) in stressful and anxious times.

3. Lemon Balm Tea

Recent research on green tea, particularly tea from lemon balm leaves, found that people who regularly consumed it during the day were calmer, more alert, and suffered less from stress and anxiety compared to those who took a placebo. However, it is important to consult a doctor regarding daily dosage, as lemon balm can sometimes increase anxiety if the dosage is too high.

4. Passion Flower

A few years ago, the German government declared the passion flower fruit as an approved natural and effective remedy against 'nervous' restlessness. This declaration was based on numerous studies that found passion flower has phenomenal calming abilities and is particularly effective in reducing anxiety symptoms—no less effective than prescription medications.

5. Wait, Why Are You Stressed?

Dr. Ramsey, author of 'The Happiness Diet,' explains that "almost universally, people become more anxious and irritable when they are hungry. During an anxiety attack, your blood sugar levels may drop. Therefore, the best thing in this case is to grab a quick snack like walnuts or a piece of dark chocolate, along with a glass of water or a cup of hot tea," he says.

(Clarification: The nutritional advice is published based on research and international publications. We do not guarantee the success of the described effects, but merely bring the information to your attention.)