[brightcove:5116093205001 default] When you’re feeling frazzled, it’s easy to be tempted by a handful of M&Ms, a couple of cookies, or an entire pint of ice cream. Stress and anxiety are known to trigger cravings , and not necessarily for a grain bowl or kale salad . But it is possible to harness those cravings for good: Turns out a handful of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients can actually help relieve negative feelings . The magnesium, zinc, and omega-3s in nuts, for example, may help stabilize cortisol levels and keep your mood steady. Even dark chocolate (in moderation, of course) could help calm your nerves on harried days. "Research has shown that it can reduce your stress hormones," Health contributing nutrition editor, Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD, said in a prior interview. "Also, the antioxidants in cocoa trigger the walls of your blood vessels to relax, lowering blood pressure and improving circulation." That's why we love these three simple