When all hell breaks loose, don’t run for the nearest pint of Ben & Jerry’s! Instead, reach for the fish oil.

Preliminary research shows that fish oil may help you to cope with mental stress. A study from the medical journal Diabetes & Metabolism found that a diet rich in omega-3s kept cortisol and adrenaline levels from getting out of control. The subjects of the study were subjected to a battery of mental stress tests, which increased their heart rates, blood pressure and cortisol levels. Then, for the next 3 weeks the test takers were given 7 grams worth of fish oil supplements per day. After 3 weeks of fish oil, the subjects underwent a second round of mental stress tests. Researchers found that their cortisol levels were significantly less compared to the first round of testing.

With the holidays upon us, you can bet that there just might be some stressful moments in the immediate future. In addition to omega-3s, super foods such as spinach, oranges, skim milk, steel-cut oats, avocadoes and nuts (try almonds, pistachios or walnuts) contain nutrients that may help combat stress hormones and help you to relax! And of course, don’t forget to exercise and get plenty of sleep.