Did you know you can help fight anxiety naturally?
Unfortunately for most of humanity, stress is unavoidable. We feel stress when we wake up and realize we have to work all day, when we get behind on personal projects, when our children decide to randomly turn into untamed beasts, and even when we are just having an off day.
Stress and anxiety are pretty unavoidable, but they are also terrible for your health. 40 million Americans suffer from anxiety disorders, and with the current political climate, I am sure that number is only rising.
In general, we must do everything in our power to reduce our stress levels, since chronic anxiety can lead to all kinds of health issues, from heart problems to cancer.
We need to meditate more, step away from our desks every hour, get outside while the sun is shining, and take the time every day, to be mindful of our stress levels.
READ MORE: How to Tell if You Suffer From Chronic Stress
If you can do any of that, you are on the right path. But did you know that certain foods can also help reduce or combat anxiety?
Yes, I am actually saying that you can help fight stress by eating. In fact, if you are a stress eater, you might consider adding these things to your diet, to kill two birds with one stone.
Here are give stress-reducing foods to add to your diet today!
Turmeric. We all know turmeric is healthy for a slew of reasons, but it also contains antioxidants that can help fight depression.
Avocado. Avocados contain potassium, which helps lower blood pressure. It also has vitamins and monounsaturated fats that help keep your brain healthy.
Chamomile Tea. Chamomile has always been known as a natural stress reliever, not to mention the placebo effect of holding a hot cup in your hand while you stare mindfully, into the distance.
Dark Chocolate. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants called flavonoids, which have a natural relaxing effect. As if I need to give you a reason to keep dark chocolate in your purse.
Leafy Greens. Magnesium helps fight stress by affecting receptors in your brain that help promote relaxation. Swiss chard and spinach are two great examples, as they are chock full of magnesium. I know for some of you the thought of eating more vegetables is stressful on it’s own, but if you needed a reason to add more leafy greens to your diet, stress relief is a great one!
Recently discovered turmeric – great anti-inflammatory. Really good stuff here Karen.
Amazing how nature offers the solutions right in front of our eyes. I learned all this back in the early 80’s as an undergrad at Penn State. Throw in some daily relaxation/meditation and lots of physical activity (which you’re an iron woman at) and you have the recipe for major stress reduction great health!