What helps you relax at the end of a long day? Do you take time to write in your journal, do yoga, eat your favorite snack, or watch a comforting show on TV? Well, at night. It might be time to add some stress-reducing drinks to your self-care routine, but we’re not just Talking about tea. There are many drinks that calm the mind while promoting relaxation. Making a few changes to your bedtime drink may help you feel less irritable and ultimately ease your stressful day.
- carolina schneiderMS, RD is a registered dietitian and nutrition advisor for Daily Harvest.
What ingredients help you relax?
According to registered dietitian Carolina Schneider, there are some important ingredients to look out for when it comes to relaxing drinks. For example, drinks based on magnesium or ashwagandha are great for reducing stress. “Lower magnesium levels lead to higher stress levels,” explains Schneider. “Magnesium decreases” [stress] By supporting GABA receptor function, which is essential for relaxation. ” Similarly, ashwagandha is an adaptogen that helps reduce cortisol levels while promoting gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors.
Other ingredients that can help you relax include L-theanine and B vitamins. Before purchasing any of the beverages listed below, be sure to read the ingredients listed on the back label. That way, you can avoid products that seem like a panacea. “The market is full of adaptogenic, nootropic, and plant-based drinks that claim to reduce appetite. [stress]But these bold promises often lack scientific support,” says Schneider. What’s more, Schneider recommends supplementing these drinks with a “whole food, plant-based diet.” “These strategies have stronger and more consistent evidence to support long-term mental health.”
5 Calming Drinks to Calm Your Mind
chamomile tea
Often described as a mild sedative, chamomile tea is one of the most popular non-caffeinated beverages, and for good reason. “Chamomile contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to receptors in the brain and promotes relaxation,” notes Schneider. When you get home from a long and stressful day, brew yourself a warm cup of this herbal tea.
Green Tea
Speaking of tea, green tea is also a superstar with just a little bit of caffeine, making it perfect for relaxing and unwinding. “Green tea, including matcha, contains L-theanine, an amino acid known for its ability to promote relaxation without drowsiness,” says Schneider. “L-theanine increases alpha brain waves, which are associated with calm and alert states, and may help reduce the perception of stress.”
hot chocolate
Hot chocolate is more than just a seasonal treat. Hot chocolate is also a calming and relaxing drink. Cocoa in hot chocolate often contains tryptophan, an essential amino acid that produces serotonin and melatonin. In addition to its delicious taste and calming effects, a hot drink like hot chocolate can be calming simply due to the psychological effects of drinking a hot drink.
cherry juice
Tart cherry juice has been gaining a lot of attention ever since TikTok users discovered its sleep-inducing effects. Cherry juice is rich in melatonin (from tart cherries), tryptophan, and procyanidin B-2, which can help reduce oxidative stress, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality.
warm milk
Warm milk isn’t as popular among adults as it is with young children, but it can actually help calm your mind after a long, stressful day. Milk contains relaxing compounds like trytophan, melatonin, lactose, B vitamins, and magnesium, making it quick and easy to warm up a cup of milk whenever you want to feel instant comfort. is.
