What to drink for anxiety?

Are you feeling anxious? Does your heart race in social situations? Do the smallest things trigger feelings of panic and dread? Well, no need to fret any longer because we’ve got just the right solutions for you! As it turns out, what you drink can have a significant impact on how calm or jumpy you feel. So if you’re looking for some liquid relief from this incessant mental chatter, keep reading!

The tea that puts therapy sessions on hold

Tea time is traditionally associated with relaxation and tranquility. But did you know that certain teas might be able to take that vibe up another notch? Say goodbye to neckties and couches; let’s talk about Kava tea.

This magical potion has been used in Pacific Island cultures for centuries as a natural remedy against anxiety. It contains compounds called kavalactones that interact with our brain chemistry, promoting relaxation without inducing sleepiness.

If traditional remedies bore you, why not try a cup of kava tea instead?

How to prepare Kava tea

  1. Boil water
  2. Add 4-6 tablespoons of powdered kava root into a muslin bag or cheesecloth.
  3. Let it steep for 10-15 minutes (no more than 30 minutes).
  4. Drink slowly while sitting down.
  5. Expect numbing sensation and slight loss of motor skills – which come from those lovely kavalactones we talked about!

Disclaimer:

Some studies suggest there may be liver toxicity risks involved with long-term use – so remember – moderation is key!

Hopped-up happiness: Beer and Anxiety

“Alcoholism runs in my family…I’m so proud.”

We all know alcohol isn’t exactly touted as the most effective remedy against stress-induced behavior, but some forms are better than others my dear Watson. Those of you who are beer connoisseurs, it’s time to put your palate where your peace is!

Beer contains hops – flowers that have natural sedative properties and can promote a sense of well-being. According to research, people who drink beer in moderation report feeling less anxious than those who don’t.

So maybe going out for a pint with the guys or gals isn’t such a bad idea after all? Just make sure not to go overboard or we might end up quoting Bukowski:

“Stay with the beer. Beer is continuous blood.”

The importance of moderation

Yes dear reader, just because there are benefits doesn´t mean you should always indulge – modération s’il vous plaît! While alcohol reduces anxiety temporarily by changing brain chemistry, excessive consumption has been linked to increased risk factors like depression and addiction.

Moderation looks different for everyone but most studies suggest men shouldn´t exceed two drinks per day while women shouldn´t surpass one.

Acai yourself calm

“Açaí paralyze my problems!”

If smoothies are more your game then look no further, adding some Acai berries could do wonders for reducing anxiety levels.

Acai berries contain antioxidants called polyphenols which fight free radicals in our bodies (yup, those rogue molecules that cause inflammation) thus promoting overall wellness- including mental clarity and reduced stress symptoms.

How to make an Acai Berry Smoothie:

You’ll need:
– 1/4 cup almond milk
– 1 frozen banana
– Handful spinach/greens
– Tbsp Acaí powder
(Find all ingredients at Whole foods or any healthy supermarket.)

Instructions:

Blend until smooth & top off with chia seeds/granola or whatever toppings fit your fancy!

“Let food be thy medicine”

While blending a magical concoction may sound like fun – remember this phrase coined by Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine. The food we consume directly impacts our mood and energy levels so it’s crucial to maintain an overall balanced diet!

Chamomile on repeat: Tea verse!

“Can aromatherapy put therapists out of business?”

Another tea? You betcha bucko – but this time with sweet little flowers that taste like a dreamy meadow. Of course, we are talking about chamomile tea.

Chamomile has been around for centuries offering anxiety-ridden folks some peace through its natural sedative qualities. It contains a compound called apigenin that binds to specific receptors in our brains – promoting relaxation and sleepiness.

Pro tip:

For best results steep your favorite chamomile tea for at least 5 minutes before sipping.

Additional effects

Aside from just being plain delicious, chamomile also boasts anti-inflammatory properties which can help ease muscle tension; perfect for stressed-out workaholics.

Meditation-meets-matcha

“Matcha-meditation – the great escape without leaving your kitchen!”

This exotic drink has made its way onto nearly every California coffee menu…but what exactly is matcha?

It refers to finely grounded green tea powder that originated in Japan as part of traditional tea ceremonies created by Zen Monks. Matcha not only tastes divine (if you like grassy notes), but it comes equipped with L-theanine-an amino acid said to have sedative-like effects yet increases mental alertness simultaneously !

Preparing matcha is surprisingly simple:

  1. Combine two teaspoons of matcha into bowl/mug.
  2. Add hot water until desired consistency
  3. Whisk until foamy.
  4. Enjoy!

Whether you combine it with an intentional meditation session or enjoying sips throughout your day remember one thing: tranquility nirvana does not discriminate against beverages!

Tea-toxing stomach shakes ? No thank you

If you’re not into drinking your anxiety remedies no need to worry mate, we still have some healthy easy-to make options.

Orange and dark chocolate bliss

“Orange and dark chocolate – can these two be the new peanut butter & jelly?”

Have a fancy palate but also want some relief from that “edged-out feeling”? Dark chocolate is already known for its mood-boosting effects because it contains high levels of flavonoids. When coupled with citrus (which has natural calming properties) the effect is nearly twice as strong!

This combination makes an excellent pre-workout snack too, boosting endorphins while reducing cortisol!

Recipe:

Using 100% Dark Chocolate or finding options with at least 70 percent cacao content will provide maximum health benefits. Simply pair squares with fresh orange slices for a quick bite !

Punchy pomegranate pleasure

“Pomegranates are the fruit sent down from heaven!”

The tartly sweet fruits are packed full of vitamin C which helps stabilize our emotions during stressful circumstances; adding in ginger root heightens its pain-relieving capabilities by decreasing inflammation response experienced during episodes of anxiety.

Simply blend together pomegranate seeds, frozen banana slices, almond milk along with grated ginger root – strain out seeds before sipping.

Rooibos tea: Monarch’s remedy

Rooibos translates in Afrikaans to “red bush”; this South African plant isn’t just popular for being tasty though -it’s been used for generations among their tribes as an anti-inflammatory aid .

What does this have to do with managing anxiety?
Well… because rooibos tea contains antioxidants called polyphenols like most teas; however it’s unique since studies show it inhibits enzymes involved in developing certain diseases including depression!

So what´s the recipe you ask?
Pour boiling water over Redbush leaves (don´t let them boil!) and let the leaves steep for 2 to 6 minutes.

The final verdict:

“I’m sorry alcohol, but you’re a second placer.”

Whether it be chamomile on your break, kava tea sipping at home or an Acai boost on the go, there is no one-size-fits-all blueprint.

The only way to comprehend which drinks help reduce anxiety symptoms in each case is by individual experimentation combined with moderation of course.

So cheers, bottoms up! Let’s drink our worries away…or not?

Disclaimer:

While we hope these suggestions can bring some relief from anxious feelings know this – none of them replace mental health counseling or medication therapy when needed! It´s also important for us all to remember that any form of calorie-reduction dieting can lower mood so don´t forget- balance is key!

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