Buzz
Photo: Nndanko/Getty ImagesAfter a long day, how do you like to relax? Do you spend time journaling, practicing yoga, indulging in your favorite snacks, or unwinding with your go-to comfort show? Consider adding a few stress-relieving drinks to your nightly self-care routine—and we’re not only talking about tea. A variety of beverages can help promote relaxation and calmness, and making simple swaps to your pre-bedtime choices may ease tension and help you de-stress more effectively.
Which Ingredients Promote Relaxation?
When choosing a calming beverage, certain key ingredients can enhance relaxation, according to registered dietitian Carolina Schneider. Drinks containing magnesium and ashwagandha are particularly effective for stress relief. “Low magnesium levels are linked to increased stress,” Schneider explains. “Magnesium aids relaxation by supporting GABA receptors, which play a key role in calming the nervous system.” Likewise, ashwagandha is an adaptogen that helps regulate cortisol levels while enhancing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor activity.
L-theanine and B-vitamins are additional ingredients known for their calming effects. Before selecting a beverage from the list below, take a moment to check the label for these beneficial compounds and steer clear of overly hyped products. “The market is saturated with adaptogenic, nootropic, and botanical drinks claiming to alleviate [stress], but many of these claims lack solid scientific backing,” Schneider warns. She also emphasizes the importance of pairing these drinks with a “whole-food, plant-predominant diet,” as this approach has stronger, more consistent evidence for promoting long-term mental well-being.
5 Soothing Beverages to Help You Unwind
1. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea—often described as a gentle sedative—ranks among the most beloved non-caffeinated drinks, and for good reason. “Chamomile contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to brain receptors, helping to induce relaxation,” explains Schneider. After a tiring, stressful day, treat yourself to a warm cup of this soothing herbal tea.
2. Green Tea
Green tea is another mildly caffeinated beverage that excels at helping you unwind. “Green tea, including matcha, contains L-theanine, an amino acid celebrated for its ability to induce calm without causing drowsiness,” Schneider shares. “L-theanine enhances alpha brain waves, which are linked to a tranquil, focused state, and may also reduce the feeling of stress.”
3. Hot Chocolate
More than just a wintertime treat, hot chocolate is a soothing drink that can help you unwind. The cocoa in hot chocolate is rich in tryptophan, an essential amino acid that boosts serotonin and melatonin production. Beyond its delicious flavor and relaxing effects, the warmth of hot chocolate itself can provide comfort, helping calm you through the simple act of enjoying a hot beverage.
4. Cherry Juice
Since TikTok users discovered the sleep-inducing benefits of tart cherry juice, it has gained significant attention. Packed with melatonin from tart cherries, tryptophan, and procyanidin B-2, cherry juice can help reduce oxidative stress, encourage relaxation, and enhance your overall sleep quality.
5. Warm Milk
Although warm milk is more commonly associated with children, it can be a comforting and soothing option for adults as well. Milk is packed with relaxation-promoting compounds like tryptophan, melatonin, lactose, B-vitamins, and magnesium. Heating up a cup of milk is a simple and quick way to ease your mind and unwind after a hectic day.
