Back to top. Carbohydrates pasta, bread, crackers, popcorn briefly boost the body s levels of the calming chemical, serotonin. So will chocolate and other sweets, though of course you should eat these only in moderation. But more important, if you have ongoing stress, you need to eat a healthy diet with a balance of lean protein, vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain breads, muffins, and crackers to keep your energy level high. Back to top.
Lack of sleep can exacerbate stress.
Sleep is one of the most important components of emotional equilibrium. If you don t get enough, you ll be more irritable and less emotionally resilient when dealing with tension-producing situations. What s more, dreaming which only occurs when you have deep, uninterrupted sleep can help your mind process troubling thoughts and relieve anxiety. Back to top. When your body is tense and rigid due to stress, you re more prone to back problems and exercise injuries.