Nowadays everyone is busy in their own day-to-day lives, and stress has become a regular part of it. Being stressed all the time can affect your mental and physical health. It can increase the risk of health diseases and affect your mental health. It is crucial to work on your lifestyle to address these issues. The first thing one should do is choose a healthy diet. Food plays a crucial role in well-being. There are foods that can make you feel anxious and tense and those that can soothe you. Let's find out the best and worst drinks for stress relief .
Best drinks for stress relief

Water
A person should drink 8 liters of water every day. Water is beneficial for your physical and mental health. Drinking enough water helps regulate cortisol. It also provides relief from stress. Dehydration can cause hormonal imbalance and keep you stressed throughout the day. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that dehydration can negatively impact cognitive performance and mood.
Herbal tea
Herbal tea is best for relieving stress. It has a calming effect and does not contain caffeine. The soothing scent of herbal teas like peppermint or lavender can reduce stress and tension. A study published in the American Journal of Medicine examined the effects of herbal tea on sleep quality and anxiety and found it to be effective.
Milk
Milk, the complete food, is very effective in addressing stress. Milk contains serotonin, which is known for its calming and soothing effect. It helps improve mood and reduces stress and tension. Warm milk can be even more soothing and can improve sleep quality. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition discussed the role of milk in improving stress.
Smoothies
Smoothies can be beneficial for stress relief due to their nutrient-rich ingredients, which provide essential vitamins and minerals that support the body’s response to stress. Many of these ingredients are packed with antioxidants like vitamin C, which help reduce stress. They also contain nutrients crucial for regulating mood and supporting the nervous system. These natural stress relievers can promote a sense of calm without causing drowsiness. Additionally, smoothies are convenient, making it easier to maintain a healthy diet even when life feels hectic. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology highlighted the role of smoothies in stress management.
Coconut water
Coconut water contains high levels of potassium, offering many benefits as a natural hydrator and a source of essential electrolytes for proper brain function. It is also rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce stress and provide a natural boost of energy. A study published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics found that coconut water plays a significant role in managing stress levels.
Worst drinks for stress relief

Alcohol
Alcohol is one of the worst choices for stress relief. It may give you a sense of relief for a while but has the worst mental and physical health consequences. It ruins your ability to regulate your mood in the long run and disrupts your quality of sleep. It works as a depressant, and if consumed excessively, it can lead to worse mental health situations like depression and anxiety. A study published in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research found that individuals who consume alcohol as a way to cope with stress are at a higher risk for developing anxiety disorders.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a poor choice for stress relief as it increases anxiety levels and disrupts your sleep quality and cycle, which can affect your mental health poorly, leading to stress and anxiety. It can increase heart rate and blood pressure. A study published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders found that high caffeine intake is linked to increased anxiety levels.
Energy drinks
Many people may think that energy drinks are beneficial for health and relieve stress, but they have a high amount of caffeine and sugar, which can severely impact your blood pressure and heart health. They can also disrupt your sleep quality and increase anxiety. According to a study published in Psychosomatic Medicine that examined the effects of caffeine on stress.
Soft drinks
Soft drinks contain high amounts of sugar and caffeine, which affect your mental health and sleep cycle. It can increase your anxiety level, spike your blood pressure, and cause difficulty sleeping. According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, caffeine can increase stress levels.