Top 5 Calming Foods, Scents, and Drinks to Bring Yoga into Aspects of Your Everyday Life

Posted by Carolina on August 19, 2014

Sure, we all try to bring yoga into our everyday lives anyway! But with the hustle and bustle of school, work, and family, sometimes it’s helpful to have a calming yogic aspect not just in our practices, but in the practice of the foods we eat, drink and smell.

Check out the recommendations below to add that extra dose of tranquility to your life!

1. Sniff and Eat: Green Apple

Green Apples

The smell of green apples (actual green apples, not an artificial scent!) can offer headache relief, and is an easy way to de-stress and alleviate any head pain you may encounter during your day.

2. Drink: Tea

Tea

Need to focus up? Try drinking some caffeinated green, oolong, or black tea to keep your mind sharp! Researchers at the Journal of Nutrition have found evidence that an amino acid called “theanine” paired with caffeine may be the culprit in strengthening focus and alertness.

3. Sniff, Eat, and Drink: Lavender

The smell of lavender has been shown to significantly reduce anxiety and induce a calming, soothing effect when inhaled. Why not try some foods with lavender too (again, real lavender, not an artificial scent)? We vote for lavender iced tea or trying a lavender cupcake. Plus, if you smell the genuine lavender scent of what you’re eating or drinking, you’ll still reap the relaxing rewards.

4. Sniff and Drink: Peppermint

Peppermint

Do you tend to overeat when life throws a curveball your way? If so, try inhaling the scent of peppermint or brewing a cup of peppermint tea (and no, this doesn’t include peppermint candy!) During one study, researchers found that those who inhaled peppermint had significantly fewer food cravings and were less likely to overeat.

5. Eat: Whole Grain Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates

Have a case of the blues? Try incorporating more complex, whole grain carbohydrates into your diet! Researchers have found that those who regularly eat more whole grains are likely to be happier due to a serotonin release your brain triggers when processing complex carbs such as oatmeal and whole wheat bread.

If this list has got you thinking about adding even more zen into your life, check out our variety of relaxing products – lavender scented eye pillow anyone? – today at BarefootYoga.com!

Posted under Food and Cooking, Health and Fitness

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