At one point or another, we all experience the dreaded consequences of stress. Your deadlines begin to pile up, you start to stay at the office later in an attempt to keep up with work, and you can't seem to pencil in time to just sit back and relax. 

While stress is a typical bodily reaction to our fight-or-flight reactionary responses, there are points where our everyday tensions seem to build rapidly to an overwhelming degree. Do you find your stress levels rising and your relaxation faltering? Just reach for a hearty snack to combat your anxieties and struggles.

You may be thinking to yourself, “how is food calming?” We're not talking about comfort foods that provide a fulfilling feeling during consumption and then a crash shortly after you finish eating. While it's not best to rely on junk food as a source of comfort during your panicky moments, certain foods can alleviate your tensions. It's a matter of choosing the best foods for fighting stress that will help give your body the vitamins and nutrients it needs to kick worries to the curb.

Need a quick snack to help cool down your tensions? Check out our list of five stress-fighting foods below.

1. Chamomile Tea

While not a food per say, this delightful drink will provide you with just the cool-down you need. For centuries, people have boasted about the healing properties of chamomile, especially in regards to stress and anxiety. The chamomile flowers offer a natural relaxing response — both for your muscles and mind. Unwind with a nice warm cup of chamomile tea, and perhaps a side of cookies, whenever you need to relax.

2. Dark Chocolate

Who says you can't enjoy a delicious bite of chocolate when stress takes over? Whenever you find yourself tempted to reach for your favorite milk chocolate treat, opt for dark chocolate instead. Research shows that the natural properties of pure dark chocolate significantly aid in the relaxation of an individual's blood vessels. In effect, this relaxes your body and tricks your mind into feeling more peaceful as well.

3. Blueberries

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that sends messages of pleasure and happiness to your brain. Sounds great, doesn't it? All you need to do to feel a rush of this feel-good chemical is a handful of blueberries. The anthocyanins, or the dark pigments of berries, help your brain produce this compound in higher amounts when you most need it. The next time stress gets you down, cheer up with a bite full of blueberries.

4. Avocados

When you already have many triggers in your life causing unwanted levels of stress, the last thing you want to deal with is low blood sugar. Avocados are a delicious — and nutritious — snack you can take with you on the go. With nearly two dozen nutrients and vitamins, avocados provide you with a full feeling that ensures hunger isn't another factor figuring into your stress.

5. Oatmeal

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