While there are many different methods of fighting with stress, arming your body with mood-improving food is one of the most basic places to start. Try adding the following foods to your diet, and step away from bread and cake.

1. Eggs

Rich in protein, eggs also provide calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, phosphorus, and vitamins A, D, E, and K, making them one of the most nutritional foods around. Drew Ramsey, author of The Happiness Diet, praises nutrient-rich foods for battling stress and notes that eggs are part of his favorite anxiety-reducing breakfast.

2. Fish

Eating fish can have many benefits (好处), including fighting stress. Fish (like sardines, salmon, canned tuna) is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Studies show omega-3 fatty acids help with depression as well as encouraging more positive social behavior in children.

3. Red peppers, papayas and kiwis

They have more vitamin C than oranges. Many studies point to vitamin C for controlling stress hormones. As Psychology Today reports, “People who have high levels of vitamin C do not show the expected mental and physical signs of stress when faced with serious psychological challenges.”

4. Tea

Drinking black tea may help you recover from stressful events more quickly, notes WebMD. One study looked at people who drank four cups of tea daily for six weeks, compared with people who drank something else. At the end of the study, the tea drinkers reported feeling calmer and had lower levels of cortisol after stressful situations.

5. Dark chocolate

Chocolate can help improve the mood and keep clear thinking. Studies also show dark chocolate can help people feel good and reduce stress. Not to mention, it might make you smarter. Is it just a coincidence (巧合) that the higher a country’s chocolate consumption is, the more Nobel Prize winners it creates? More chocolate, please.

Change Your Life

Everybody wants to look good, especially young people. 【小题1】

1. Get into shape.

Exercising regularly not only keeps you looking your best, but also improves your health, reduces your possibility of getting certain diseases and gives you more energy.

Healthy adults need 150 minutes of moderate (适度的) aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous (强有力的) aerobic activity each week. Moderate activities include walking and swimming, while vigorous activities include jogging, boxing, and playing basketball. You should do some kind of strength training at least two days per week.

Also, consider joining a gym or local sports team. 【小题2】

2. Keep a balanced diet.

【小题3】 Whether you want to lose weight or simply improve your overall health, what you eat matters.

Your diet should consist of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Read food labels and stay away from foods that contain too much fat and sugar. If you suffer from anxiety or depression, then cut down on alcohol and caffeine, as these drinks will make matters worse.

3. Change your clothes.

【小题4】 Make an effort to look your best on a daily basis. This doesn’t necessarily mean dressing fancifully (花哨地) or formally; rather, find clothes that are fashionable, affordable, and proper.

4. 【小题5】

Get a haircut or dye your hair a different color. Women with long hair should consider getting layers, bangs, or a short bob.