It’s the final month of school and everything you could have possibly procrastinated is piling up. Here are ten foods to help ease your mind while you work!
1. Almonds
Almonds are high in magnesium, and magnesium helps your nerves and muscles relax. It also relaxes your veins and arteries, which improves blood and oxygen circulation.
2. Asparagus
Asparagus is high in B vitamins like folate and vitamin B1, which assist the nervous system. Vitamin B1 plays a key role in energy production so make sure you load up on these nutrients!
3. Avocado
Avocadoes are also high in B vitamins including vitamin B5 and B6, both of which reduce stress by helping to maintain a healthy nervous system. Try a snack of natural guacamole with crackers to keep you energized and relaxed.
4. Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts are one of the best sources of the mineral selenium. Selenium helps keep anxiety away and also supports the thyroid.
5. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is one of the best foods for relaxation because it is an excellent source of protein, more specifically, tryptophan. Tryptophan is converted to serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that helps you relax, feel happy, and can also make you sleepy. So, if you are pulling an all-nighter, this might not be the food choice for you! But, if you need a good night’s sleep before, try a Greek yogurt for dessert.
6. Holy Basil
Holy basil (not the same basil used in cooking) helps lower cortisol, a stress hormone. Holy basil enjoyed as a tea has the added benefit of having L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea leaves that promotes relaxation.
7. Lavender
Lavender has the ability to strengthen the nervous system, and can help relieve stress headaches because it is a nervine relaxant. The calming effects of lavender also ease depression and promote sleep. Take lavender drops and put a few on your pillow to help with a good night’s sleep.
8. Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional Yeast, one of the few vegan sources of vitamin B12, plays a key role in the production of neurotransmitters. In addition, low levels of vitamin B12 have been shown to impair serotonin production.
9. Oats
Oats are a complex carb that enhance the absorption of tryptophan, an essential amino acid. Oats are also high in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicone and potassium which all promote relaxation.
10. Spinach
Spinach has a comforting and calming effect because it is high in magnesium. Magnesium helps regulate cortisol levels and promote feelings of wellbeing.