Take FIVE: Calming Foods and Ways to Relax for Five Minutes

Dec 5

Get a double - dose of “Take Five” today for your Stress Management Needs with
Five Foods to Help with Calming Stress and
Five Ways to Relax - Even for Just Five Minutes.

Five Calming Foods to Help with Stress:

1. Salmon: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, salmon helps reduce inflammation and supports brain health, promoting a calm and focused mind.

2. Avocado: Rich in monounsaturated fats and potassium, avocados can help lower blood pressure and soothe the nervous system.

3. Dark Chocolate: Indulge wisely! Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and compounds that trigger the release of endorphins, promoting feelings of pleasure and relaxation.

4. Blueberries: Loaded with antioxidants, blueberries can help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, contributing to overall stress reduction. (Frozen blueberries are just as good as fresh!)

5. Chamomile Tea: Sip your stress away with chamomile tea. This flower contains compounds that bind to the same brain receptors as anti-anxiety drugs, promoting relaxation.

Five Ways to Relax - Even for Just Five Minutes:

1. Deep Breathing: Take five minutes to focus on your breath. Inhale deeply for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale for four. Repeat. This simple technique can activate the body's relaxation response.

2. Mindful Walking: Step outside for a brisk five-minute walk. Pay attention to each step, the sensations in your body, and the environment around you. It's a mini-mindfulness break.

3. Quick Stretching: Stand up and stretch. Reach for the sky, touch your toes, and gently roll your shoulders. Stretching releases tension and improves blood flow.

4. Visualization: Close your eyes and imagine a peaceful scene – a beach, a forest, or a favorite cozy spot. Visualization can transport you to a calmer state of mind.

5. Listen to Calming Music: Plug in your headphones and listen to your favorite calming tunes. Music has a powerful impact on emotions and can quickly shift your mood.

Incorporate these calming foods into your diet and practice these quick relaxation techniques whenever you need a moment of tranquility during the holiday season. Here's to reduced stress in the time ahead!

12 Days of Wellnesstake fivestress managementcalming foodrelaxation techniques

Shelley Rael, MS RDN

Shelley A. Rael, MS RDN, is a dedicated Registered Dietitian Nutritionist based in New Mexico, USA. As the owner of Real World Nutrition, her private practice, she's passionate about guiding individuals toward eating and living healthier in the real world. Beyond one-on-one consultations, Shelley is a multifaceted professional. She's a podcaster, author, speaker, and consultant known for her commitment to dispelling nutrition myths and providing evidence-based information. Her mission is to empower people to achieve improved health, wellness, and energy without resorting to restrictive diets or misinformation.

https://www.shelleyrael.com/