Oranges. You may think of vitamin C when you think of these citrus fruits, and that's a big reason it might help your anxiety. Some studies have shown that a diet rich in it may help calm you and put you in a better frame of mind.
When we're anxious and stressed, our bodies crave vitamin C to help repair and protect our cells, and blueberries are packed full of it. Small but mighty, blueberries are bursting with antioxidants and vitamin C that have been shown to provide anxiety relief.
These include carrots, dark leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, cucumber, apples, bananas, grapefruit, other citrus fruits, fresh berries, and kiwifruit.
Citrus Fruits and Strawberries Contain Vitamin C, Which Help Fight Stress. Some studies have found that high levels of vitamin C may help ease stress levels.
"Bananas are known as the happy fruit as they contain tryptophan, which is converted to serotonin in the body and is believed to help you relax, enhance your mood, and feel happy in general," explained Pratima Mishra from Columbia Asia Hospital. According to MedlinePlus, tryptophan also helps to regulate sleep.
Summary: People who regularly snack on fruit are less likely to report symptoms of depression and more likely to report positive well-being. Those who indulge in nutrient-poor snacks, such as chips, are more likely to report symptoms of anxiety.
Choose fruit that are high in antioxidants, as these really contribute to brain chemistry. Some great example are strawberries, blueberries, kiwis and cherries.
The best stress-relieving drinks include ginger, chamomile tea, valerian, black tea, coconut water, milk, green tea, coffee, lemon balm tea, water, and vegetable and fruit juice. Aromatherapy is another self-soothing practice shown to have benefits for mental health. You can read more about it here.