Stress can be caused gradually or all at once, so it’s important to have a go-to stress reliever on hand. Some people prefer stress balls while others prefer fast acting resolutions. Whatever your preference, it’s important to remove whatever is stressing you and replace it with something that calms you down. Most people don’t realize that there are healthy drinks available that can help reduce a person’s stress level. The CGS Team is sharing 4 healthy drinks that can be found in your fridge to help you reduce stress.
Coconut Water
Coconut water is great for reducing anxiety and lowering stress levels. It also boosts energy, and helps you sleep at night. Almost all coconut beverages help balance electrolytes in the body, which help us remain calm and stress-free. The ingredients found in coconuts are excellent sources of B-complex and vitamins like riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pyridoxine, and folates, as well as potassium and magnesium. These types of vitamins and minerals help the muscles relax and improve blood circulation.
Anti-Stress Smoothie
Some people replace smoothies for meals throughout the day, so why not make your smoothie stress-free?! Simply add ingredients such as, chai seed, cocoa, almond butter and avocados to help reduce any stress your body may be under.
Almond butter is a great ingredient to add to your anti-stress smoothie because of the mineral zinc. Cocoa is great for the sweet flavor that it adds to the smoothie. It’s also awesome for boosting serotonin levels, which make us feel happier. Plus, chocolate always makes everything better. The polyphenols in cocoa may also help to reduce the level of stress hormones produced in the body. Lastly, the avocado helps make the smoothie smooth and even more delicious with its own set of natural benefits.
Here’s a simple recipe for your next stress-free smoothie:
To make it, first start with a chia gel by pouring two cups of filtered water into a bowl. Add three tablespoons of your chai seeds and stir well; allow to sit for at least 10 minutes and then pour the gel into a blender. Next add one-half of an avocado, two bananas, four dates, two tablespoons of cocoa powder and two tablespoons of your favorite almond butter to the blender. Blend on high for 30 seconds or so – if the consistency is too thick, add a bit of water and blend again.
Fresh Juice
When our bodies are given the right amount of the right thing, it can do wonders. Making fresh juice out of your favorite produce floods your body with antioxidants and essential nutrients that can help reduce blood pressure as well as regulate the body’s response to stress.
Fruits that contain vitamin C are a great way to keep stress levels normal and keep you healthy. Similar foods like oranges, mango, berries and cantaloupes are great for reducing stress levels. Fueling your body with nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, instead of processed junk or alcohol, aids in reducing the amount of stress you experience.
Water
Water is the secret key to life’s hidden treasures. Sometimes stress is caused from a lack of water, so be sure you drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day. If you don’t drink enough water, it can cause anxiety, or worsen any anxiety symptoms you might be feeling.
When you are dehydrated sometimes the blood flow can’t reach its destination quickly, causing muscles to tense and brain to lose focus. In other cases, it can also prevent endorphins that improve mood and the sense of well-being from being released, and without those, an increase of stress and anxiety is sure to follow.
Related: Stress – How to Spot It and Get Rid of It
Stress is a silent killer. It’s important to keep your stress levels low and in a healthy check. Drinking your stress away is a whole lot better than eating them away. What ways do you handle your stress? Have you tried any of the stress reducing beverages we mentioned above? If so, how did they work for you? Like our Facebook page and follow our other social media accounts Twitter and IG @citygirlsavings to stay connected with CGS. We love hearing from the community so don’t hesitate to reach out!
