Life is busy these days and it has become a norm that we only feel relaxed sometimes. Most of the time, we are… just okay. Not too bad but not exactly relaxed either. To improve that, we need to change the way we live, think, and eat.
Why It’s Difficult for Us to Relax
Relaxation sounds like something very natural. You do nothing and just relax. In reality, it doesn’t work this way (not always, at least). One major reason is the constant barrage of stimuli we face daily — work emails, social media notifications, bad news, and so on. Our brains are often in a state of alertness, they just cannot switch off.
Another factor is the pressure to be productive. Our culture values efficiency. Being inefficient means doing something wrong. This is why taking time to rest is often a doubtful decision. What if your productivity sucks because of that? The risk is too high. And we decide to put relaxation off to be on the safe side.
Finally, we are often stressed because we lack certain nutrients. And that’s the issue that’s more or less easy to handle.
6 Foods That Help With Relaxation
Yogurt
Yogurt is rich in probiotics so it helps maintain a healthy gut microbiome. The latter, in turn, impacts mental health. It’s easier to relax when our gut is healthy than when it’s not. Plus, yogurt is rich in calcium and magnesium. These help to relax muscles and support normal nerve function.
You don’t need a good imagination to incorporate yogurt into your daily diet. It’s tasty, needs no preparation, and fits any meal.
A few quick tips:
- choose plain, unsweetened yogurt with live cultures
- add fresh fruits, nuts, and/or honey
- eat it regularly.
Natural Supplements
While not technically a food, there are many natural supplements that can help with relaxation. One such example is delta 8 products available in the form of gummies. They may bring body-focused relief and help in those cases where you cannot get rid of tension otherwise.
Delta 8 gummies have light effects. They can be used in your bedtime routine from time to time. For more pronounced effects, there are more potent liquid diamonds. These are a good option for vaping enthusiasts. Their relaxing effects are mild and short-lasting.
Eggs
Surprised to see eggs on this list? The reason they are here is that they are rich in choline. It regulates mood and reduces stress. Additionally, they are high in protein and it, in turn, stabilizes blood sugar levels. Stable blood sugar prevents mood swings and irritability.
Eggs are super easy to incorporate into your diet. You can start your day with an omelet, for instance. Or, you could boil, scramble, or poach eggs. The choice is pretty wide, in fact. Ideally, you should pair eggs with whole grains and vegetables. In that case, your meal will be really balanced.
Oranges
Oranges are here because of vitamin C. It’s related (indirectly though) to regulating cortisol levels. When these levels are higher, we are stressed. When we keep them okay, we feel better.
Besides, the mere taste of oranges is calming. They are sweet and a bit refreshing. You can drink them (fresh orange juice is a classic) or add them to salads. Their aroma is calming, too, which is why orange oils and candles are so popular.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are small so it’s hardly believable they can do anything for relaxation. And yet, they can. That’s because they contain cool elements that reduce stress:
- omega-3 fatty acids
- magnesium
- tryptophan.
Exactly because chia seeds are that small, you can add them practically anywhere. Yogurt, smoothies, puddings — their texture gets richer with chia seeds.
Bananas
Of all fruits, bananas are the most convenient as a snack. Such a snack can be relaxing because bananas are high in potassium and magnesium. These two minerals relax both muscles and nerves. They also contain tryptophan, which boosts serotonin.
If you don’t want to eat a banana as a snack, you can add it to your morning oatmeal. It should be a good sugar substitute.
As you see, eating right can help with relaxation. And we haven’t mentioned any comfort food here; just those products that contain elements that help you calm down. Of course, you don’t need them all in one meal. Do experiment and you’ll find a perfect place for them in your menu.
