150 Best Foods to Help Relieve Stress
According to Statista’s Face-to-face interview with 1000 respondents, “U.S. adults were anxious about select aspects of their lives including Covid-19 in 2020 and 2021”. In 2021, 65% of the respondents were anxious about Covid-19, 64% of the respondents were anxious about safe for themselves and their families, and 61% were anxious about their health. Medical Experts differentiate the stress and anxiety, but both affect your body and mind. Let’s dive in and explore, What are the causes of stress and anxiety? (Solutions Included), 150 Best Foods to Help Relieve Stress and anxiety.
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What are the causes of stress and anxiety?
1. Sleep Deprivation
A major contributor to stress and anxiety is sleep deprivation. According to NIH, sleep deprivation is linked to many health conditions, such as Heart and Kidney diseases, Diabetes, Obesity, stroke, high blood pressure, and depression.
Our bodies produce cortisol, a hormone that makes us feel stressed out when we don’t get enough sleep. According to the CDC, adults must sleep at least 7 hours a day. Sleeping Less than 7 hours, we are inviting stress. Sleeping means self-healing of the body, If you haven’t slept well at night, you will ruin the day. (Waking up at night for better reasons not discussed here, however you will manage the day).
2. Low Money - High Stress
The financial problem creates more stress among people worldwide. During the Covid-19 pandemic, lots of people lost their jobs and lots of families lost their breadwinners, which moved people into financial issues. According to BLS, In July 2022, 2.2 million persons reported that they had been unable to work because their employer closed or lost business due to the pandemic.
When money is short, we are concerned about paying bills and purchasing groceries. Financial stress can cause insomnia, stomach pains, headaches, and other Health Issues. Learn how to manage your finances and maintain financial stability.
3. More Negative thoughts - More Stress
Another key source of anxiety and stress is negative thinking. Our minds generate stressful thoughts when we ponder difficulties and worries. According to the Cleveland Clinic, psychologists connect negative thinking with obsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD), anxiety, and depression.
Self-doubt, anxiety, rage, envy, resentment, and regret are all examples of negative thinking. Adrenaline is released by our brains, causing us to feel worried and nervous. Concentrate on positive thinking and Be positive.
4. Overdo working - Overdo stress
Overdoing working will overdo the stress. According to OECD data, Americans work an average of 1,767 hours a year, compared to the OECD average of 1,687.
We frequently put in long hours without resting, which leads to burnout. Burnout occurs when we are overburdened with stress and anxiety and lose interest in previously pleasurable activities. We get more energized and relieve stress and anxiety when we take breaks during the long working day.
5. Bad Relationships - Bad Moods
“Letting go of toxic people in your life is a big step in loving yourself.” – Hussein Nishah.
Relationships influence how happy we are, whether they are with ourselves, family members, friends, and other important people. Bad relationships are a significant source of stress. When we are in the presence of unpleasant people, their bad thoughts affect us. Toxic people deplete our vitality and leave us fatigued. They can also bring out our worst traits, such as anger, jealousy, and insecurity. To prevent toxic relationships, learn to recognize toxic people and shun them.
6. Unhealthy Diet - Unwanted Stress
Unhealthy foods have a bad impact on our bodies when we eat them. Chemicals in processed food increase our desire for them. These substances cause several illnesses, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and weight gain. We stay healthier and happier when we eat balanced meals that include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy products. And we have listed the foods that relieves stress and anxiety in this article.
7. Social Isolation and Loneliness
Anxiety and depression are frequently attributed to social isolation. According to CDC, Social Isolation and Loneliness are linked to serious health conditions, like dementia (50% increased risk of dementia for lonely people), and linked to a 29% higher risk of heart disease and a 32% higher risk of stroke.
Being alone can result in depression and emotions of loneliness which may create suicidal thoughts also. Quality time spent with friends and family boosts happiness and lowers social isolation. As we are in a digital world, having friends, relatives, and other followers on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Tiktok, and Insta will keep you connected and socializing with the people.
8. Thinking too much - Stressing too much
We tend to overthink everything, from minor details to major decisions. Our brains work hard to make sense of the world around us, and if we’re continually thinking about something, our brain gets overburdened, overburdened brain causes Stress.
Read Tony Robbins – How to Stop overthinking?
9. Physical pain - Mental Stress
People experience anxiety as a result of physical pain. When we have pain in our body we get stressed. Minor aches and pains or chronic illnesses such as arthritis, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia make us being stressful.
Please Don’t skip meals (Breakfast, lunch, or dinner) because you are in stress, and please don’t do emotional eating (Overeating when stressed).
Check this list of 150 Best Foods to Help Relieve Stress, and Eat.
What Fruits help anxiety?
- Avocados
- Oranges
- Grapefruit
- Strawberries
- Acerola Cherry
- Blueberries
- Banana
- Papaya
- Cantaloupe
- Guava
- Raspberries
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Cherries
- Tart Cherries
- Apples
- Cranberries
- Goji berries
- Kiwi
- Grapes
- Apricots
- Prunes
- Pomegranate
Best Vegetables for Depression and Anxiety
- Broccoli
- Kale
- Bok Choy
- Spinach
- Turnip Greens
- Swiss Chard
- Sweet Potatoes
- Artichokes
- Beets
- Asparagus
- Winter Squash
- Yellow Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Okra
- Potatoes
- Jicama
- Radishes
- Celery
- Jerusalem Artichoke
- Lettuce
- Cucumber
- Tomatoes
- Mushrooms
- Chicory
- Parsley
- Wheatgrass
- Arugula
- Watercress
- Nori
- Kelp
- Wakame
- Dulse
- Spirulina
Special Foods to Relieve Stress
- Dark Chocolate
- Kombucha
- Miso
- Kimchi
- Tahini
- Pretzels
- Sauerkraut
- Redwine
- Tempeh
- Honey
- Popcorn
- Hummus
- Peanut Butter
- Tofu
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Bee Pollen
Is Tea Good for Stress? Yes!
- Matcha Powder
- Lavender Tea
- Chamomile Tea
- Sage Tea
- Peppermint Tea
- Lavender Tea
- Green Tea
- Black Tea
- Reishi Tea
- Tulsi Tea
- Rooibos Tea
- Moringa Tea
- Hibiscus Tea
- Oolong Tea
Whole Grains that Reduce Stress
- Whole Rye
- Buck Wheat
- Brown Rice
- Oatmeal
- Millets
- Quinoa
- Barley
- Whole Grain Crackers
- Whole Grain Bread
- Whole Grain Pasta
- Corn Flakes
Lean Meats for stress relief
- Chicken Liver
- Turkey Breast
- Turkey Jerky
- Grass-fed Beef Jerky
Omega - 3 rich Seafood to Calm your mind
- Tuna
- Salmon
- Mackerel
- Sardines
- Trout
- Halibut
- Herring
- Anchovies
- Oysters
- Mussels
- Clams
- Scallops
Snackin Nuts and Seeds to Relaxin
- Almonds
- Pistachios
- Walnuts
- Brazil Nuts
- Cashews
- Peanuts
- Flax Seeds
- Sesame Seeds
- Sunflower Seeds
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Chia Seeds
- Hemp Seeds
Dairy and Eggs to treat Stress
- Warm Milk (Low fat)
- Cheese (Low fat)
- Yogurt
- Kefir
- Buttermilk
- Eggs
Best Legumes that relieve stress
- Green Peas
- Edamame
- Chickpeas
- Blackeyed peas
- Black Beans
- White Beans
- Pinto Beans
- Mung Beans
Herbs and spices that Minimize stress
- Parsley
- Garlic
- Turmeric
- Ashwagandha
- Cayenne Pepper
- Periwinkle
- Ginger
- Maca
- Saffron
- Green Cardamom
- Valerian
Live life Happily without stressing yourself, because “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking” -Steve Jobs.
