Christmas is a joyous time of year, but it can also be stressful.

Whether it’s running around to finish last-minute shopping, preparing food for family gatherings, or managing holiday travel plans, the season can take a toll on one’s physical and mental wellbeing. Fortunately, a healthy diet can help fight stress and keep the body and mind balanced. Here are the top 30 foods that can help combat Christmas stress and promote relaxation and well-being.

1. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is not only delicious but also rich in flavanols, which have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety.

According to studies, eating dark chocolate can help reduce stress hormones like cortisol in the body and promote feelings of calmness and contentment. So, don’t hesitate to indulge in some high-quality dark chocolate to fight stress this holiday season.

2. Turkey

Turkey is not only a staple of Christmas dinner but also a rich source of tryptophan. Tryptophan is an amino acid that helps produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is essential for regulating mood and promoting relaxation.

Turkey also contains vitamin B6, which helps convert tryptophan into serotonin. So, a serving of turkey can go a long way in reducing stress and anxiety.

3. Blueberries

Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and polyphenols that help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. According to research, eating blueberries can improve mood and cognitive function and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

So, add some fresh blueberries to your yogurt or smoothie this holiday season.

4. Salmon

Salmon is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and boost brain health. According to studies, eating salmon can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive performance.

So, add some salmon to your dinner plate this holiday season to stay calm and focused.

5. Green Tea

Green tea is a rich source of L-theanine, an amino acid that helps reduce stress and promote relaxation. According to research, drinking green tea can improve mood and cognitive function and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

So, take a break from the holiday chaos and enjoy a cup of green tea.

6. Almonds

Almonds are packed with magnesium, a mineral that is essential for regulating the nervous system and reducing stress and anxiety.

According to research, eating almonds can lower blood pressure and cortisol levels in the body and promote feelings of calmness and relaxation. So, snack on some almonds between meals to stay energized and stress-free.

7. Bananas

Bananas are a rich source of potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and reduce stress and anxiety.

Bananas also contain vitamin B6, which helps produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is essential for regulating mood and reducing stress. So, add some bananas to your breakfast or snack to stay calm and focused.

8. Avocado

Avocado is a rich source of healthy monounsaturated fats, which help reduce inflammation and support brain health. According to research, eating avocado can improve mood and cognitive function and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

So, add some avocado to your salad or toast this holiday season to promote wellness and reduce stress.

9. Spinach

Spinach is a rich source of magnesium, a mineral that is essential for regulating the nervous system and reducing stress and anxiety.

Spinach also contains folate, a vitamin that helps produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is essential for regulating mood and reducing stress. So, add some spinach to your smoothie or omelette this holiday season to stay calm and energized.

10. Quinoa

Quinoa is a nutrient-dense grain that is rich in protein, fiber, and magnesium. According to research, eating quinoa can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive function.

So, swap your traditional Christmas stuffing for a quinoa salad this holiday season to stay healthy and stress-free.

11. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a rich source of complex carbohydrates and fiber, which help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce stress and anxiety. Oatmeal also contains magnesium and vitamin B6, which are essential for regulating the nervous system and reducing stress.

So, start your day with a bowl of oatmeal this holiday season to stay calm and focused.

12. Kale

Kale is a nutrient-dense green that is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and iron. According to research, eating kale can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive function.

So, add some kale to your salad or smoothie this holiday season to promote wellness and reduce stress.

13. Asparagus

Asparagus is a nutrient-dense vegetable that is rich in folate, a vitamin that helps produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is essential for regulating mood and reducing stress.

Asparagus also contains potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and reduce stress. So, add some asparagus to your dinner plate this holiday season to stay calm and energized.

14. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a rich source of complex carbohydrates and fiber, which help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce stress and anxiety. Sweet potatoes also contain vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and reduce inflammation in the body.

So, swap your traditional Christmas potatoes for some sweet potato mash this holiday season to stay healthy and stress-free.

15. Walnuts

Walnuts are packed with healthy omega-3 fats, which help reduce inflammation and support brain health. According to research, eating walnuts can improve mood and cognitive function and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

So, snack on some walnuts between meals to stay energized and stress-free.

16. Tuna

Tuna is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and boost brain health. According to studies, eating tuna can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive performance.

So, add some tuna to your lunch or dinner menu this holiday season to stay calm and focused.

17. Oranges

Oranges are a rich source of vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and reduce inflammation in the body. Oranges also contain folate, which helps produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is essential for regulating mood and reducing stress.

So, add some oranges to your breakfast or snack to stay healthy and stress-free this holiday season.

18. Broccoli

Broccoli is a nutrient-dense vegetable that is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C. According to research, eating broccoli can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive function.

So, add some broccoli to your salad or stir-fry this holiday season to promote wellness and reduce stress.

19. Lentils

Lentils are a nutrient-dense legume that is rich in protein, fiber, and magnesium. According to research, eating lentils can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive function.

So, add some lentils to your soup or salad this holiday season to stay healthy and stress-free.

20. Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are a nutrient-dense vegetable that is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. According to research, eating bell peppers can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive function.

So, add some bell peppers to your salad or stir-fry this holiday season to promote wellness and reduce stress.

21. Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are packed with healthy omega-3 fats, fiber, and magnesium, which help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce stress and anxiety.

Pumpkin seeds are also a rich source of tryptophan, which helps produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is essential for regulating mood and reducing stress. So, snack on some pumpkin seeds between meals to stay energized and stress-free.

22. Yogurt

Yogurt is a nutrient-dense dairy product that is rich in calcium and protein. According to research, eating yogurt can improve mood and cognitive function and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

So, add some yogurt to your breakfast or snack to stay calm and focused this holiday season.

23. Garlic

Garlic is a nutrient-dense herb that is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. According to research, eating garlic can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive function.

So, add some garlic to your soups or stir-frys this holiday season to promote wellness and reduce stress.

24. Beets

Beets are a nutrient-dense vegetable that is rich in antioxidants, fiber, and iron. According to research, eating beets can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive function.

So, add some beets to your salad or smoothie this holiday season to promote wellness and reduce stress.

25. Ginger

Ginger is a nutrient-dense herb that is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants. According to research, eating ginger can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive function.

So, add some ginger to your tea or stir-fry this holiday season to promote wellness and reduce stress.

26. Kiwi

Kiwi is a nutrient-dense fruit that is rich in vitamin C and fiber. According to research, eating kiwi can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive function.

So, add some kiwi to your breakfast or snack to stay healthy and stress-free this holiday season.

27. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a nutrient-dense spice that is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. According to research, eating cinnamon can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive function.

So, add some cinnamon to your oatmeal or tea this holiday season to promote wellness and reduce stress.

28. Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts are a rich source of selenium, a mineral that helps regulate the nervous system and reduce stress and anxiety. According to research, eating Brazil nuts can lower stress hormone levels and improve mood and cognitive function.

So, snack on some Brazil nuts between meals to stay energized and stress-free this holiday season.

29. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is a nutrient-dense beverage that is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants. According to research, drinking chamomile tea can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive function.

So, take a break from the holiday chaos and enjoy a cup of chamomile tea.

30. Berries

Berries are packed with antioxidants and polyphenols that help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. According to research, eating berries can improve mood and cognitive function and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

So, add some mixed berries to your yogurt or smoothie this holiday season.