1.) Asparagus
Some people steer clear of these bright green stalks, but not only are they delicious and good for you, they're also packed with high levels of natural folate that helps in stressful moments and can keep anxiety to a minimum. You can dice them into salads, steam them and serve as side dish, grill them with Parmesan and butter, or fry them in a bit of olive oil and garlic with a sprinkle of salt and pepper for flavor.
2.) Avocados
Another green dish, avocados are a kind of fruit, and have become extremely popular in many modern cooking techniques especially in Asian and Spanish cuisine. They are also rich in glutathione which helps fight oxidative damage in your intestines, and lutein, vitamin E, folate, vitamin B, and carotene, which come together to help relieve those upsetting feelings and calm you down. They also offer a number of other health benefits including healthy skin, hair, and a clean digestive tract.
3.) Blueberries
Blueberries are known for their high antioxidant levels, but not all people know that this particular antioxidant, which is called anthocyanin, helps with positivity and cognition, keeping you alert and aware of your surroundings, and helping you shake off that blue haze of depression. They are also rich in a number of vitamins like vitamin C which helps your skin look brighter and aids you immune system.
4.) Chamomile Tea
This tea has long been hailed as a tummy tamer and a sleep aid, but what you might not know is that this is due to an ability to significantly reduce anxiety and anxiety-related emotional problems. It helps you to relax and let go of any hard feelings or mixed emotions you might have, at least for the moment.
5.) Dark Chocolate
Okay, yes, chocolate isn't usually known for its health benefits, but there are many, especially if you're eating natural dark chocolate rather than the modified types. Chocolate helps your body release endorphins, which send feel good signals to your brain. In many studies across the world, chocolate has shown the ability to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and even lower blood pressure.
6.) Garlic Cloves
You can put this in your mashed potatoes, stuff it in a pot roast, toss it in a stir fry, or turn it into a sauce. Garlic is loaded with antioxidants that work to rid your body of cell-damaging free radicals. It has also been linked to a healthier heart, and a lower rate of cancer, and it helps reduce the stress that weakens your immune system and causes you to get sick.
7.) Oats
Oatmeal is food for your heart and it is plain old-fashioned comfort food at its best. It has the ability to promote serotonin production in your brain as well, which is the chemical that makes you feel happy It has also proven through multiple studies to make you sharper and more alert.
8.) Citrus Fruits
Oranges in particular are absolutely full of vitamin C, which helps your skin and immune system, and can also boost your mood. Many studies have been completed on citrus fruits and they have found that even the smell of oranges, tangelos, and clementines can make you happier.
9.) Nuts
Walnuts and cashews are both great for your mood and your body; full of alpha-linolenic acid, they help aid in the prevention of memory loss, and reduce certain signs of aging. They can also make you feel happy and full.