5 Foods You Can Eat to Reduce Stress in the Workplace

Apr 26
18:42

2017

Vanessa Fardi

Vanessa Fardi

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Several studies have shown that at least one third of the US population lives under extreme stress, while almost half the country (48%) believes their stress has increased over the past 5 years. This condition is contributing to the emergence of health problems, poor relationships, and loss of labor productivity, according to the American Psychological Association (APA).

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Everybody seems to have their own definition of stress,5 Foods You Can Eat to Reduce Stress in the Workplace Articles however, most people don’t really know what it means. Stress is a natural reaction of the body that has both psychological and physical manifestations and that we all experience when we face changes in our life. It causes the brain to be on guard, the nervous system awakens, and hormones are released to quicken the senses, accelerate the pulse, deepen the breaths, and tighten the muscles.

When suffering from stress, the body consumes vitamins, proteins, and minerals faster, lowering the defenses and losing essential nutrients. This can be reflected in our work environment, becauseit can generate: excessive tiredness, depression, pain, loss of concentration, bad mood, and low productivity.

One of the ways to combat the damage that stress can cause to our bodies and, consequently, to our work environment, is to incorporate foods that will help you replenish some energy:

 

  1. Nuts: this superfood increases your serotonin levels, regulates sleep and pleasure, and promotes feelings of well-being.
  2. Black chocolate: this snack stimulates the production of opiates and dopamine. Opiates are the chemicals responsible for reducing the sensation of pain and creating well-being, while dopamine influences the sensation of pleasure.
  3. Milk: this cherished liquid has powerful relaxing properties that reduces the levels of cortisol, the hormone produced by the body when we are stressed. In addition, it is high in antioxidants and vitamins B2 and B12, as well as in proteins and calcium.
  4. Kiwi: this flavorful fruit contains vitamin C that helps activate a number of enzymes in the body to improve metabolic energy levels. It also contains different neurotransmitters in the brain that increase physical and mental energy.
  5. Black Tea: there’s a reason why the Queen drinks so much of it. Tea helps you recover faster from the stress of everyday life, because it has properties that lower cortisol levels (stress hormone) in the blood.

By including any of the aforementioned foods in your daily diet, you can counteract the damage caused by high levels of stress in your body and improve your performance in the workplace.

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