Soothers:

TASTE

Our favorite meals and snacks are called comfort foods for a reason. Part of the calming effect is psychological: certain foods can bring forth memories of a favorite place or person from our past. While smell and flavor play a role, tactile sensations in the mouth also contribute to how a specific food makes us feel. Because the tongue has touch receptors, as well as taste buds, the texture of food can contribute to our mood. Not surprisingly, soft treats are more soothing to the tongue than crunchy morsels.

Of the four major flavors (sweet, sour, salty, bitter) most people prefer sweets when tension peaks, particularly chocolate. Chocolate’s, soothing effect is probably due to the combination of two highly pleasurable sensations; the silky feel of fat and the lusciously sweet taste. Plus, scientists have discovered that chocolate contains Phenyl ethylamine (PEA), a natural mood elevator. PEA acts on the pleasure centre of the brain, reducing pain and anxiety. Conversely a sour candy or spicy foods can aggravate anxiety.

Stressors to try and avoid:

Soothers: