Dynamic Self-Help

No matter where you are in your life, congratulate yourself for being a unique individual.

Remember - the journey is where growth occurs. And the journey happens within yourself as much as any other type of journey.

Here are some foods that can help alleviate your stress. Of course, if you are allergic or intolerant of any of these, avoid them. But here are the basics:

1. Green Leafy Vegetables. Leafy greens contain a lot of magnesium. Magnesium is an important mineral that has the power to relax muscles.

2. Fish Oil. Fish oil contains essential fatty acids that help with serotonin uptake in the brain. Serotonin makes you feel good mentally and enables your brain to better cope with stress. You can get your fish oil from certain kinds of fish, such as salmon, or from supplements.

3. Milk. There is a reason that milk is sometimes referred to as a "wind down" food. The proteins in milk can help reduce anxiety while the calcium is another mineral that can help with muscle relaxation.

4. Chocolate. A small piece of dark chocolate each day can actually provide you with many health benefits. Chocolate has a stimulating effect. The caffeine-like ingredient theobromine also helps to increase serotonin. It's okay to indulge in dark chocolate in small amounts!

5. Red Wine. Many experts believe that a glass of red wine each day provides health benefits. The only drawback is that it's easy to overdo it when drinking alcoholic beverages. Wine is packed with beneficial antioxidants and can temporarily lower blood pressure and help you relax. Can't tolerate alcohol? No problem. Check out what the natural supplement resveratrol might be able to do for you, after you consult your own health care providers about what's best for you.

6. Oatmeal. Oatmeal and other carbohydrates also help increase serotonin levels in the brain. In fact, your brain needs carbohydrates in order to function normally. This is why it's essential to include good carbohydrates like oatmeal in your regular diet.

7. Lean Meats. Lean meats can help you combat stress by providing a good source of protein. Turkey, eggs, chicken and fish are all good choices because they contain necessary amino acids for healthy brain function. Remember not to eat fatty meats because the fat can interfere with proper digestion of the amino acids.

8. Coffee. Yes, caffeine is a stimulant and there is also a risk of developing an unhealthy habit. However, moderation is the key. Coffee can help stimulate the brain into working with more energy and efficiency, helping you feel more motivated and less stressed. But if you are prone to anxiety, avoiding caffeine is really best.

9. Nuts. Nuts help you maintain your proper blood sugar. They also contain plenty of the vitamin B complex, which combats fatigue and magnesium, which reduces anxiety and muscle tension.

10. Spinach. Spinach is one of the world's super foods. It contains many vitamins, antioxidants and omega 3's. This means it would be hard to eat spinach and not feel good!

Problems come and go, but you can find ways to solve them.