At the end of a long day, what helps you unwind? Do you take some time to journal, read a good book, do some yoga, eat your favorite snacks in front of the TV, or simply scroll through Facebook?
Well, it might be time to add a few stress-reducing drinks to your nightly self-care routine. Yes, that’s right – there are calming drinks that promote relaxation and can really help when you’re having a stressful day.
What ingredients help us relax?
There are a few key ingredients that really help with relaxation, says Carolina Schneider, a registered dietitian. Magnesium and ashwagandha-based drinks are great for reducing stress.
“Low magnesium levels are associated with higher levels of stress. Magnesium reduces stress by supporting the function of GABA receptors, which are key to relaxation,” Schneider notes.
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.
Calming drinks that reduce stress
Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea — often called a mild sedative — is one of the most popular caffeine-free drinks, and for good reason. “Chamomile contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation,” Schneider notes. Next time you come home from a long, stressful day, make yourself a hot cup of this herbal tea.
Green Tea
Speaking of teas, green tea is another low-caffeine superstar that’s perfect for helping you wind down and relax. “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 a calm, alert state, and can help reduce the perception of stress.”
Hot Chocolate
It’s not just a seasonal treat—hot chocolate is another relaxing beverage that can help you calm down. The cocoa in hot chocolate often contains tryptophan, an essential amino acid that produces serotonin and melatonin. In addition to its great taste and calming properties, warm drinks like hot chocolate can help you simply calm down.
Cherry Juice
Since TikTok users realized that cherry juice can help you fall asleep, this drink has been in the spotlight. The juice is packed with melatonin, 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 with adults as it is with young children, but it can help calm you down after a long, stressful day. Milk contains ingredients that promote relaxation—like tryptophan, melatonin, lactose, B vitamins, and magnesium—and warming up a glass of milk is quick and easy whenever you want instant comfort.
