As much as I wish anxiety and stress weren’t such ongoing problems, the reality is that many people are affected by them. There’s no doubt that most of us are “over” the challenging year we’ve been through, but even as things in our communities are finally starting to open up again, life can still feel unsettling.
Personally, I’m grateful to be able to be out and about more often these days, but I’m still cautious because there remains some degree of uncertainty about how safe things are at this point. Having worked as a neurosurgical ICU nurse for many years, I understand germs and bacteria well, so I continue to protect myself and my family when we are in public.
Don’t Skimp on Sleep and Exercise
Not to say I don’t get unnerved at times, but I consistently try to counterbalance my stress or any underlying feelings of anxiety by being devoted to healthy lifestyle choices that really help to keep those worries in check. I make sleep a priority, do some kind of daily exercise, and choose foods that support—rather than hurt—my mental and physical health.
I consistently try to counterbalance my stress or any underlying feelings of anxiety by being devoted to healthy lifestyle choices, including getting good sleep, daily exercise, and foods that support, rather than hurt, my mental and… Click To Tweet“You Are What You Eat”
If you follow me, you’re well acquainted with my belief that food is medicine, or it is poison. I never get tired of educating people about this, because what you put into your body really does determine the kind of day you’re going to have. For instance, drinking too much caffeine is definitely going to make you more anxious, and eating high-glycemic foods—think cakes, cookies, and white pasta—will make your blood sugar spike and plummet and leave you feeling nervous, tired, and cranky.
6 Delicious Ways to Calm Stress and Anxiety
So, instead of reaching for things that are only going to make you feel worse, I’ve got some much better suggestions that can help you keep your symptoms in check—and are great for your overall health too:
- Avocados are delicious and full of healthy fats that may protect against anxiety. They’re also high in B vitamins which help to produce serotonin and dopamine—brain chemicals that are essential for feeling good.
- Eggs are not only a great source of protein, but they’re also loaded with nutrients, including tryptophan, which is a precursor to serotonin that can help you feel calmer.
- Magnesium-rich foods like almonds and cashews, pumpkin and chia seeds, and leafy greens such as Swiss chard and spinach can help control your nerves. My recipe for Sunrise Grainless Granola is loaded with magnesium—and tasty goodness!
- Salmon, tuna, and other cold-water fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for your body and brain health and can help you feel calmer and more relaxed.
- Turmeric is a spice that contains curcumin and has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help with nervousness. It’s got a great flavor and is one of the spices I use in my Turkey Beet Meatballs recipe.
- Foods that are high in antioxidants are also helpful since people with anxiety may have lower levels of them. You can boost your antioxidant intake with certain legumes, like pinto, black, and red kidney beans; berries; walnuts and pecans; and artichokes, kale, beets, and broccoli.
What you do—or don’t do—each day can make such a difference in how you feel. Being wracked with anxiety is no fun, so don’t torture yourself with habits and foods that won’t support your mental and physical health.
To help get your anxiety under control, start adding in these healthier options and eventually you’ll find that feeling better becomes a habit you don’t want to live without!
For additional help calming your nerves and promoting more positive moods, try GABA Calming Support or Everyday Stress Relief from BrainMD. Want 21% off? Enter TANA21 at checkout. It’s that easy!
If you’re struggling with stress and anxiety and need professional help, Amen Clinics is here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.
