9 Daily Rituals to Help You Cope with Stress

Drinking four cups of black tea a day for six weeks helped people de-stress faster and lower their cortisol levels after a stressful event, according to a study from University College London. (Black tea is high in antioxidants, which may lead to relaxation by affecting neurotransmitters in your brain.) You could also try valerian root tea for an immediate calming effect. "Tea made from valerian root relaxes the nerves," says Roberta Lee, MD, the vice chair of the Department of Integrative Medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center and the author of The SuperStress Solution. "Think of it as a very weak Valium." — Emma Haak