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Feeling overwhelmed by stress and anxiety? You might be surprised by the latest trending TikTok trend: using sour candy for anxiety. Many TikTok influencers are recommending keeping sour candies on hand for when a bout of anxiety hits, such as on an airplane, being in crowded/enclosed spaces or prior to public speaking.
It may sound strange, but some people find that the intense taste of these candies shifts their focus from the panic attack they feel is coming, to the present moment. This can help distract them temporarily. However, this is not a substitute for professional help - if panic attacks persist, it's important to seek help from a mental health counselor.
Does Eating Sour Candy Really Relieve Anxiety?
Sucking on a sour or tart candies for anxiety is more than just a TikTok trend. The theory behind this sweet and tangy trick is simple: the strong taste distracts the brain from negative emotions and sends a jolt of sensory information to your brain, forcing it to focus on the intense physical sensation instead of your worries. This can help to break the cycle of negative thoughts and anxieties, bringing you back to the present moment and promoting a sense of calm.
But does it really work? Research is still emerging, but some experts believe that sour and spicy foods can indeed be beneficial for anxiety relief. They suggest that the intense taste can activate the fight-or-flight response, which can temporarily override the body's stress response. Additionally, the act of sucking on candy can also be a calming and grounding activity.
Pin it & Save for Later!The Science Behind Sour Candy and Anxiety
Consuming sour candy shifts our attention quickly to the sense of taste and cause a fascinating interplay of taste perception and brain chemistry. When you bite into something sour, your taste buds send signals to your brain, inciting a dopamine release – a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. This rush of dopamine can briefly uplift your mood, providing a temporary distraction from anxiety-inducing thoughts or situations.
The other reason why this tip works is because when you starts to feeling symptoms of anxiety or panic attacks, you body starts to go into fight or flight response. During this time, energy is diverted away from your digestive system in order to survive. Therefore, by eating candy (or anything, especially when the experince is intense) your digestive system is put back on line and you come out of fight or flight.
Tips for Using Sour Candy for Anxiety
Moderation is Key: While sour candy can provide a temporary mood boost, remember to consume them in moderation. Excessive sugar intake can lead to other health issues such as obesity, tooth decay, and diabetes.
Choose Natural Sour Candy: Opt for candies that are naturally sour and contain less artificial preservatives and high fructose corn syrup. Some brands offer organic or all-natural options.
Pair with Healthy Habits: Combining the intake of sour candies with other anxiety-reducing practices, like deep breathing exercises or yoga, can contribute to a more comprehensive and effective anxiety management routine.
Not a Substitute for Professional Help: While sour candies can help with short-term anxiety relief, they should not be used as a substitute for professional psychological help. If you find your anxiety to be overwhelming or persistent, it's important to seek professional support.
What are the best sour candies for anxiety?
While individual preferences vary, below are the top picks:
Warheads:
Known for their extreme sourness, Warheads candies can provide a strong sensory experience.
Sour Patch Kids:
These chewy, fruit-flavored candies combine sweetness with a hint of sourness, offering a balanced taste.
Cry Baby Tears:
These extra sour candies come in the shape of tear-shaped hard candies, providing a burst of tart flavor.
Toxic Waste Hazardously Sour Candy:
Similar to Warheads, Toxic Waste candies are known for their intense sour coating.
Lemonheads:
Lemonheads are small, tart candies that offer a classic sour taste with a hint of sweetness.
Airheads Xtremes:
These rainbow-colored, chewy strips offer a sweet and sour flavor combination.
Sour Belts/Ribbons:
Sour belts or ribbons come in various fruity flavors and offer a chewy, sour experience.
Jolly Rancher Sour Surge:
Jolly Rancher Sour Surge candies provide a mix of sweet and sour in hard candy form.
Warheads Sour Candy
Sour Patch Kids CandyToxic Waste Sour CandySour Power CandyAirheads Xtremes Candy
Remember, while these candies may offer a brief distraction or pleasurable experience, they should not be relied upon as the primary or long-term solution for anxiety. It's essential to explore comprehensive strategies, including lifestyle changes, stress management techniques, and professional support for effective anxiety management. Additionally, individuals with dietary restrictions or concerns should be mindful of the ingredients in these candies. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice on anxiety management.
Potential Downsides of Using Sour Candy for Anxiety
While sour candy can offer temporary relief from anxiety, there are potential downsides to consider. Excessive sugar intake can lead to other health issues, and relying on it as a primary coping mechanism for anxiety may not address the root cause of anxiety. Many mental health experts advise that a comprehensive approach, including professional help, is the best way to mitigate panic attacks.
Additional Methods for Coping with Anxiety
While sucking on sour candy can offer a quick and enjoyable distraction from anxiety attacks, it's important to have a variety of coping mechanisms in your toolkit. Some additional methods for coping with anxiety include:
Talking to Someone You Trust: Sharing your feelings and worries with someone you trust can help alleviate the burden of anxiety.
Journaling or Expressive Writing: Writing down your thoughts and feelings in a journal can provide an outlet for processing emotions and reducing anxiety.
Engaging in Hobbies or Activities You Enjoy: Participating in activities that bring you joy, whether it's reading, painting, or dancing, can be a form of self-care and help reduce anxiety levels.
Prayer: Prayer can be a powerful tool for coping with anxiety and panic attacks by providing comfort, peace, and a sense of connection to something larger than yourself. If you need help figuring out how to pray about your anxiety consider these 10 short prayers for anxiety.
Consider the Hidden Emotion Theory If you Have a Panic Attack: This theory proposes that the root cause of many panic attacks is unacknowledged or suppressed negative emotions. These emotions can be anger, sadness, resentment, or even fear itself. When you feel a panic attack coming, ask youself what conversation am I avoiding and then make a plan to have that conversation.
Seek Professional Help: From cognitive behavioral therapy to accelerated resolution therapy, there are several proven treatments for anxiety and panic attacks that a professional recommend for your specific situation. You can find a Christian counselor or life coach by searching our database.
Remember that what works for one person may not work for another. It's essential to find a combination of coping strategies that work best for you and seek professional help if needed.
Final Thoughts on Using Sour Candy for Anxiety
While the TikTok trend of using candy for anxiety relief has gained popularity, it's important to remember that this is not a magic cure. While the intense taste can offer a momentary distraction from negative thoughts and anxieties, it should not be considered a substitute for professional help or a comprehensive approach to anxiety management
For effective anxiety relief, consider combining the occasional sour candy with other healthy coping mechanisms, such as deep breathing exercises, journaling, and engaging in activities you enjoy. If you find your anxiety to be overwhelming or persistent, seek professional support from a therapist or counselor.
Remember, anxiety is a complex issue, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, with the right combination of strategies and support, you can manage your anxiety and live a fulfilling life.
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Corine Williams, Ph.D. is Clinical Psychologist that is currently seeing clients in the States of Maryland, New Jersey, and New York. You can find out more about her practice by visiting www.therapyforchristians.com/corinewilliams. In addition to providing individual therapy, Dr. Williams is also passionate about writing books and designing merchandise that educate, uplift, and normalize mental health subject in the Christian community. You can find out more about her at www.booksbycorine.com or by visiting her amazon profile here: https://www.amazon.com/Corine-Hyman/e/B00AWZ5FL2
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Disclaimer: the information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this article are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are looking for a Christian counselor near you, please check out our directory located here: Christians Therapist Near Me
