Between balancing school, extracurricular activities, working, and keeping up with your social life, things can get pretty hectic, especially with just getting over midterms, and finals looming around the corner. What you eat really can affect how you feel. So, put down the chips and leftover Halloween candy, and eat some foods to help relieve anxiety (all of which can be found in the dining hall or a local grocery store). Also, you might want to snack on these foods before you watch your favorite scary movie or go out for Halloween.
Leafy Greens
Foods like spinach contain folate which produces dopamine, the happiness chemical.
Bananas/Cantaloupe/Avocado
Bananas, cantaloupes, and avocados all have potassium which lowers your blood pressure. Also, you should go for the bananas with the black patches, because those are indicative of concentration of dopamine. As stated above, dopamine is a happiness hormone.
Milk-Based Products
Ever wondered why you should drink a warm glass of milk before bed? Well, that’s because milk contains melatonin, which signals your body that it’s time to sleep. Fortified milk also contains vitamin D, which research shows reduces panic and anxiety attacks.
Turkey
Turkey contains tryptophan, which helps in producing the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is the chemical that helps with happiness and overall well-being.
Dark Chocolate
If you have a craving for something sweet, go for the dark chocolate. Research has shown that dark chocolate can reduce stress-causing hormones, lower your blood pressure, and help to circulate your blood better. Bonus fun-fact: dark chocolate contains unique substances that create a euphoria similar to falling in love.
Berries/Peaches
Berries contain antioxidants, which can help in your body’s response to fighting stress. Peaches also fall in this category because they contain a natural sedative, which helps in your ability to relax.