Stress Reliever

After a long, grueling day at work, many of us succumb to the call of comfort food (and in exorbitant amounts, too). When we are stressed, it becomes incredibly easy to forgo a healthy dinner of soup and salad and instead give in to our calorie-packed cravings—like that big bag of potato chips on the counter, or the pint of coffee caramel ice cream that’s been frosting in the fridge. And while it isn’t a bad thing to break our diets once in a while, stress-eating can quickly become an everyday habit that will take its toll on our bodies—without actually reducing the stress.

HERBS. Herbs are chamomile, passion flower, and dandelion are effective stress relievers because they relax your mind and the muscles in your body. Steep them into fragrant teas to savor the full calming experience. This article by TheTimesOfIndia.com shares that chamomile tea, in particular, has been found to relieve cramps, spasms, and digestive problems caused by nervousness.

ORANGES. Pack a bottle of OJ or a few orange wedges with your daily baon. Oranges are rich in Vitamin C, which boosts your immune system and reduces its susceptibility to virus. A German study in Psychopharmacology has also proven that Vitamin C helps reduce anxiety by bringing down blood pressure after a stressful situation.

SWEET POTATOES. Substitute your craving for fries with some sweet potato slivers. Sweet potatoes will give you the same soothing sensation that you get from eating chips or candy bars—plus, they’re packed with fiber, beta-carotene, and other immunity-boosting vitamins.