Guide Shoppers Naturally to Stress Relief

Getting ready for the busy holiday season? Natural stress relief should be one of the top priorities on the list. Here are some tips to share with you shoppers and staff to beat stress naturally.

Thanksgiving is just over a week away and that means the holiday excitement and stress have arrived – from your retail team to your shoppers here’s what you need to know about natural stress relief in the supermarket. Additionally, there are also certain combinations of foods that can leave you feeling blissful, satisfied and nourished.

Why are some foods considered calming? For the most part, calming foods are easy to digest and contain nutrients that can relax the nervous system or boost mood naturally. Here are a few suggestions to share with shoppers and your staff, on how to naturally promote relaxation through food and drink, and infuse some calm into the busy holiday season.

Tryptophan: Turkey is rich in the essential amino tryptophan; while it can make you sleepy, tryptophan also aids in the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which calms and helps regulate feelings. Production of serotonin can elevate mood and ward off depression. Serotonin also helps promote adequate sleep. Combining tryptophan-containing foods with complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, increases absorption and aids in the production of serotonin. In addition to turkey, foods that contain notable levels of tryptophan include shrimp, spinach, chicken, tuna, soybeans, milk, salmon, and eggs. Vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, and cauliflower are also great sources.

Chamomile: Another very popular relaxation aid has been used since ancient times and is known to promote general relaxation and relieve stress. Chamomile tea has been used a mild sleep aid and can help with digestion. Its leaves can be found dried as tea and has a very pleasant and calming aroma.

Omega-3s: Eating foods that are rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids such as walnuts, salmon, sardines, flax seed, and omega-3 fortified eggs, can help boost mood. Omega-3s are essential for optimal brain health, and they also have an anti-inflammatory effect that may help in pain relief.

Zinc: Zinc rich foods such as spinach, lamb, and grass-fed beef can also have calming effects as they help to stabilize metabolic rate, balance blood sugar and aid in the optimal function of the immune system. Zinc is a trace mineral, essential for growth and development of all cells in the body, and thus a deficiency can lead to a litany of problems. Other good sources of zinc include calf's liver, shrimp, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and crimini mushrooms.

Water: It’s essential for every function in the body, but during busy days it’s one of the easiest things to forget! Drinking at least eight ounces of water with each meal can help supply adequate energy, relieve headaches and head congestion, and generally help you think straight during hectic holiday times. It also helps with proper digestion. Drink plenty of filtered water throughout the day to remain hydrated, calm, and healthy.

Foods to avoid: If the stress is getting out of hand, try decreasing caffeine intake, and limit coffee and tea drinking to earlier in the day. Remember, some sodas and diet sodas also contain caffeine, sometimes in significant amounts, so encourage shoppers to read labels carefully. Caffeine speeds up the action of both the nervous system and other major body systems. It can also increase the level of adrenaline in your blood, which triggers an increase in heart rate, breathing rate, production of stomach acids, and urinary output. If possible, try to limit artificially sweetened and sugary beverages altogether - they don’t hydrate as well as water and can contribute to stress.

The holidays should be fun and enjoyable! Use the above list as a guide to help your shoppers and staff feel relaxed and calm through the holiday season.