5. Peel a clementine
The simple act of peeling a clementine is a mindful relaxation technique. “Peeling citrus fruit is a mini-meditative moment—you have to drop whatever you’re doing to engage both hands,” says Albers. Even cooler, the smell of citrus has been shown to promote calm—which might just quell your urge to binge on those free doughnuts at work. For optimum relaxation, slowly peel the fruit in a spiral pattern as you breathe in deeply to inhale the scent. When you’re done peeling, eat the fruit one segment at a time, taking a moment to savor each bite.
If the fruit isn’t nearby, Celio says a simple breathing exercise can be helpful in the moment. She suggests inhaling for five seconds, holding for seven seconds, and exhaling for eight seconds, repeating at least six times. It takes only two minutes but it can help refocus the brain and relax you.
6. Make avocado toast
Choosing something that won’t make you stress even more is key when finding something to nibble on, Harbstreet says. “It’s probably not the best time to try cooking a complex, gourmet meal from scratch or making something with hard-to-find ingredients. Stick to the basics and keep it simple,” she says. Plus, make sure it’s something that’s satisfying to you!
Avocado toast is a great option because it’s fast but also really satisfying. “Healthy fats, protein, and fiber in avocado work together to keep you satiated, leaving you less likely to binge on something else,” says Levinson. “Plus, the complex carbohydrates in whole-grain bread can help boost the feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain.” You don’t have to tell us twice!