1. Apples
As off-the-wall as it may sound, research has proven that people with chronic migraines from stress have experienced relief when they have inhaled a green-apple fragrance, giving heed to the old adage of ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’.
2. Lavender
Lavender has long been recognised for its soothing properties, and research carried out among dental patients previously proved that exposure to lavender oil significantly decreased their anxiety levels. Place a sprig of it underneath your pillow or diffuse some essential oil while you’re trying to unwind at the end of the day.
3. Coconut
How many of us are transported in our minds to distant lands and sandy beaches at the slightest sniff of coconut? Experts previously found that the scent of coconut interrupts our ‘fight or flight’ response, thus lowering our stress and anxiety levels.
4. Sweet potatoes
These are widely recognised as the perfect stress-reducing snack. While satisfying your carb and sugar cravings, consuming sweet potatoes is not accompanied by that short-lived sugar rush. They are also super-nutritious.
5. Oranges
While the mere scent of orange is a treat for the senses, vitamin C has been proven to return our blood pressure to normal levels after a stress-induced spike.
