Did you know there are foods that can help relieve stress and influence your mood? Here is our quick rundown! While everyone鈥檚 needs are different (it鈥檚 important to keep in mind allergies and intolerances), these snacks and foods are 鈥� at least empirically 鈥� understood to help calm the body and mind, or at least not agitate them. From soothing drinks to late-night snacks, check out our list for ideas of foods to add to your diet!

For a Nervous Stomach:聽Ginger
Let鈥檚 not be squeamish except鈥� we鈥檙e sometimes squeamish. It鈥檚 hard to be on shift with an upset stomach. Sometimes it鈥檚 just uncomfortable, sometimes it鈥檚 an 鈥渆mergency.鈥� Polite terms aside, sometimes you need to calm your bowels to calm your mind. Ginger in many forms has been used for centuries to combat digestive discomfort. We鈥檙e not saying you have to chew on raw ginger. Ginger beer is a great alternative to soda that might help settle your stomach. You can also try ginger tea or ginger candy.

For Energy Without Anxiety:聽Green Tea
Caffeine is your best friend until it isn鈥檛. Some people thrive on coffee or black tea. You might be working a long shift and need a lift, but some constitutions react differently to different types of caffeine. Green tea is generally believed to be good for you and doesn鈥檛 shock the system in the way a latte might. If you have a more reactive constitution, it鈥檚 a good alternative.

For Sleep:聽Almonds
If you eat nuts, almonds have a variety of benefits and have shown promising empirical evidence in promoting a healthy sleep cycle. One theory is that almonds contain magnesium, which is anti-inflammatory and might help calm the body. It might not work for everyone, but if you鈥檙e looking for a late-night snack before hitting the pillow, it might be worth a try.

For Your Sweet Tooth:聽Dark Chocolate
We could do a whole post on this (and maybe will, at some point). Dark chocolate is believed to boost endorphins, so it might provide some emotional nutrition when you need it most. It contains antioxidants and some research supports wider benefits. It鈥檚 a delicious, arguably nutritious, and a not-so-guilty pleasure.

For the Adventurous:聽Sardines
Maybe don鈥檛 bring them to work (or if you do, bring a breath mint), but sardines have been linked to longevity and are a quick source of salt and protein. The science is early but interesting. They鈥檙e also a foodie favorite. If you鈥檙e not ready for a whole sardine, you can find Caesar dressings that include sardines.

For Everyone:聽Water
Does water count as food? Probably not, but it is likely the most important item on this list. Dehydration will drag you down on the job and wake you up when you have a chance to sleep. You know this. But it鈥檚 easy to forget. If you鈥檙e water averse or water forgetful, there are mobile apps to keep you on track.

These are just a few tips for the curious. There鈥檚 so much more information out there about how to keep yourself calm and energetic (at the same time!). We鈥檒l keep bringing ideas your way.

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