In today’s hectic world, it is common to freak out, be anxious, and become stressed. Technology today may have advanced, but our anxiety levels have climbed to unprecedented heights.
Problems with finances, relationships, studies, and the workplace plague humans daily. For some, medications help, but it is a temporary fix that can cause adverse reactions.
Fortunately, some options reduce stress without ill effects. When looking for relaxing drinks, sites like Boisson make the process straightforward. With its diverse offerings, finding what you need is a breeze.
Healthy Drinks that Ease Stress
That said, behold the top seven healthy drinks that help you chill out. These are your friends that you will want to be with you when you need to calm down.
Red Wine
Many thought that the alcohol in red wine is what de-stresses the body. It is, however, the ingredient called resveratrol that helps you loosen up and settle down.
Resveratrol is an ingredient that blocks stress enzymes. It does this by protecting the body against the stress hormone corticosterone.
When buying red wine to relieve stress, choose the non-alcoholic variety. It has the same amount of antioxidants as the alcoholic version.
But, compared with alcoholic red wine, the non-alcoholic option is healthier. Research shows that it can help decrease blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease by 14% and stroke by 20%.
- Detox Drink
A stress-relieving drink can also be a mix of different fruits. Fruits are healthy by themselves. But, when you combine them with other fruits, they become more potent.
Try a stress-busting detox drink that combines pineapple, strawberries, basil, and apple cider vinegar.
Fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals. So, fruit-based apple cider vinegar contains substances that help regulate weight. Basil has anti-bacterial agents and antioxidants that aid the liver in removing toxins from the body.
- Fruit and Veggie Drink
Studies showed that the vitamin content in the following provides defense against stress:
- citrus fruits
- berries
- oranges
- bananas
- kale
- broccoli
- celery
- bell peppers
These fruits and vegetables contain vitamins B and C, which soothe the body and mind, fight anxiety, and relieve tension. Vitamin B5 specifically fights chronic stress.
Mix them the way you want when preparing your fruit drink to get maximum nutrient variety and stress-busting ability.
- Oat Straw Drink
Many people recognize the stress-busting benefits of oat straw drinks. Oats help the body relax and soothe the nerves.
To make an oat straw tea, add three tablespoons of the dried oat straw herb to a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for a few minutes.
For an optimum infusion, put 1 cup of the herb in a 1-quart jar. Pour a quart of boiling water and cover. Steep it overnight.
- A Cup of Tea
Psychologists conducted a study to find out if tea effectively induces calm during stressful situations. They learned not just the stress-relieving benefits of tea.
The researchers also discovered that brewing the tea and consuming it contributed to relief from stress. Study participants said the tea created a “chill-out moment” that helped them cope with anxiety.
Tea contains anti-inflammatory substances that balance your mood. Antioxidants and anti-bacterial compounds in herbal teas help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of high blood pressure.
- Hot Chocolate/Hot Cocoa
Dark chocolate alleviates stress. A study found that highly-stressed individuals reported lower levels of stress hormones after eating dark chocolate for two weeks.
Chocolate comes from the cacao plant. Cacao beans are harvested, roasted, and made into cocoa powder or chocolate.
The more natural cocoa is, the higher the concentration of the antioxidants called flavanols. It is so because these nutrients repair damage to the body caused by free radicals.
As with dark chocolate, cocoa flavanols also have nutrients beneficial in easing anxiety. A study showed that they help blood vessels function better during mental stress.
When eaten in moderation, chocolate boosts chemicals in the brain that induce calm and relaxation. The critical aspect to remember is that the healthy form of chocolate is much closer to raw cacao.
Use cacao or natural cocoa powder to make a stress reliever chocolate drink. If you prefer a drink with more antioxidants, choose cacao. If you want fewer calories, choose cocoa powder or dark chocolate.
Always avoid processed chocolate. The more cacao is processed, the more nutrition is lost.
- Water
The most basic drink that relieves stress is water. Although that sounds basic, it is well-documented that water reduces stress.
Research has shown that when the body lacks water, it cannot function efficiently. When your body is under stress, you get a headache, your heart rate is up, and you breathe more heavily.
But when you have a hydrated body, you do not lose fluid, so your stress levels are down.
Water is not the most tasteful drink, and it can be challenging for some to drink as much water as they should.
The key is to drink in small amounts throughout the day. Do this until you reach the minimum daily requirement for water.
Managing Stress
Stress contributes to a negative state of mental health. When you experience it for long periods, your brain gets swamped with the cortisol hormone.
That would cause weakness in your immune system and makes you sick.
These factors make you most vulnerable to stress:
- Inadequate sleep
- Poor physical health
- Not eating well
- Major life events that cause anxiety
- No support network
To manage your mental condition, you need a personalized approach to improve your quality of life. Learn simple habits that will contribute to a more positive mindset:
- Exercise every day.
- Eat nutritious meals.
- Practice relaxation techniques.
- Get enough sleep.
- Manage your schedule and set aside time for yourself.
- Recognize your triggers and cope with them.
- Avoid bad habits, alcohol, and drugs.
- Talk to someone you trust.
The Takeaway
Stress may not be something you can always avoid. Every day will bring situations that will make you experience various emotions. Anxiety will be one of them.
What matters is that you have enjoyable ways to beat it. When you feel tense, grab one of these healthy drinks. It does not only protect your body, but it may also save the day.
