Aries (March 21 – April 19)

We all have our own way of decompressing after a long day. But how to relieve stress for one person just might not do the trick for another. While some zodiac signs might benefit more from being secluded than from engaging with other people, that is definitely not the mark of an Aries. Ever the figure of a leader, Aries loves to be sociable and in control. An Aries won’t relieve their stress by taking alone time. “Don’t even think about staying at home,” says health professional and gypsy Milana Perepyolkina, author of Gypsy Energy Secrets: Turning a Bad Day into a Good Day No Matter What Life Throws at You. “Go out! Find a party, an event, a gathering. Grab a friend and go exploring new areas.” Aries, go out and take the reins—don’t let life get the best of you. Getting hungry? Try the best recipe for your zodiac sign.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

When it comes to relieving stress, Taurus is the exact opposite of Aries. Taurus can be incredibly stubborn, so being around people will probably exacerbate their stress even more. Instead, Taurus needs time alone to cool off and regroup. “Stay at home,” Perepyolkina advises. “You need a comfortable, quiet and peaceful atmosphere. If you can’t find it at home (too many loud family members), go for a walk in a quiet park.” Try making one of these astrology-approved desserts.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

No one likes to be bored, but the monotony of being stuck in a daily routine can really stress out a Gemini. Geminis are curious. They can’t wait to get their hands on new experiences and knowledge. If a Gemini is feeling stagnant, travel is a great way to eliminate the stress of daily life. If you’re on a budget, though, try watching an adventure show. “Anything educational, engaging and exciting will do the trick,” Perepyolkina says. Travel without leaving your home, thanks to these authentic international recipes.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Cancer sincerely trusts only a select few people. They are very careful with whom they share their deepest feelings. Even if you’re not related, if a Cancer trusts you, they consider you family, and family to a Cancer is the most important aspect of life. So when a Cancer feels overwhelmed, they turn to their loved ones and find comfort in their inner circle. “Spend time with your family. Cook something delicious and talk about your day,” Perepyolkina says. Sometimes, you just need to vent to those closest to you. Any cancer would love our pick of the best casserole based on their zodiac sign.

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Leo is outgoing and loves to be active. When Leos feel like they need to de-stress, they shouldn’t sit around and overthink things. Go out and get some fresh air. “How about a swimming pool? A new hike? A bike ride? A ski trip?” Perepyolkina says. Make your own positive experiences. Otherwise, a Leo will just feel trapped and even more stressed than before.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

A Virgo can easily get overwhelmed by their desire for perfection. Virgos examine every detail and find it almost impossible to turn their mind off. When Virgos start to harp on a problem, they can easily start to spiral. To stop that process, Virgos need another focus on which they can use their analytical skills in a positive way. “When was the last time you visited a new art gallery?” Perepyolkina asks of Virgo. Appreciating and contemplating art will feed a Virgo’s voracious mind. Or, distract yourself by redecorating your home according to your zodiac.

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Libra hates imbalance. Libras spend a lot of their time and energy trying to create harmony between people and harmony in their own lives. If their work/life balance gets out of control, the best thing for a Libra to do is indulge in their favorite things. “Read a good book,” Perepyolkina says. “Listen to good music, eat that yummy cake, [or] go to your favorite coffee house.” Be active but not overactive. Make time for yourself but don’t become isolated. A Libra is happiest when striking that balance. If you need something to fill that quiet downtime, you’ll love the perfect classic book for you based on your zodiac sign.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

Scorpio is, in a way, the darkest sign of the zodiac. Scorpios feel very deeply and don’t avoid the negatives in life. Actually, if a Scorpio is feeling stressed or out of sorts, they very well could feel better keeping themselves shrouded in mystery. It may sound unusual, but Perepyolkina suggests: “Browse the Internet for stories about near-death experiences; plan a backpacking trip to the middle of nowhere.” Embracing this rough patch and taking some time alone will get a Scorpio through.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Sagittarius does not like to be alone. In times of unhappiness or stress, this sign needs to be in good company. However, Sagittarius also likes to feel like they’re in a safe space. So instead of going out to a party, they’d do better to host one. Quality friends will give a Sagittarius much-needed respite. Perepyolkina assures us that this is the best way for a Sagittarius to recuperate. “Amazing food, amazing music, amazing people. Dance, dance, dance!” Check out what the stars say you should be drinking.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Capricorn craves structure. Whereas other signs would get stressed out about too much work, a Capricorn will most likely be stressed over lack of work. This is a sign that always wants to be on the ball. If a Capricorn is feeling off-balance, then the best fix is to try to regain control of the situation. “Plan your next week,” Perepyolkina says. “What needs to be done? How? Where? Make a list; make several lists. Write a book of lists!”

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

Many people think that de-stressing means turning the brain off, but that’s not true, especially for intellectual Aquarius. Take your mind off of your life stresses by focusing your brainpower elsewhere. For an Aquarius, doing something cerebral with alone time is the best way to refresh. “Do something spontaneous. Go to a new restaurant. Go to a concert. Go to a lecture,” says Perepyolkina. The mind of an Aquarius constantly craves new learning experiences.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

Pisces loves nothing more than to wander off into their own world. They’re always using their imagination, whether they’re stressed or not. This skill becomes extremely useful when they need to de-stress. It is in their creativity that a Pisces can find escape and relief. Perepyolkina recommends a few activities that can help guide a Pisces toward a more peaceful state: “Daydream, meditate, visualize, create a vision board, write in your journal.” If you’re so stressed that you think you don’t have time for meditation, think again! Next, browse these kitchen designs inspired by astrology.

• Milana Perepyolkina, health professional and author

The post The Best Way to De-Stress, Based on Your Zodiac Sign appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Alabama: MoonPie Drop

What better way to ring in the new year than with a snack? Mobile has a tradition of watching a giant moon pie, instead of the traditional ball, drop called the—what else?—MoonPie Over Mobile. As the 12-foot, 600 pound and, alas, fake MoonPie descends during the midnight countdown, the crowd receives actual MoonPies to eat at the same time. There are a lot of other New Year’s traditions involving food and good luck, too.

Florida: Strawberry Festival

Other than The Beatles’ song “Strawberry Fields Forever,” the annual Florida Strawberry Festival is likely the biggest ode to the fruit ever seen. The yearly celebration of the strawberry harvest in late February-early March in Eastern Hillsborough County spans nearly two weeks and more than 10,000 acres of farmland, attracting approximately 500,000 visitors. The festival has all the usual carnival attractions families love, which we can totally get behind, but the strange part is all the eating contests including strawberry spaghetti and strawberry-garlic mashed potatoes. Check out these strawberry recipes that you don’t have to travel to Florida to enjoy.

Georgia: Peanuts and Coke

There are a lot of strange food combinations out there that actually taste amazing when you dare to try them, i.e. pineapple and pizza, chocolate and cheese, pickles and peanut butter. The combination of peanuts and Coke is pretty standard, especially as far as baseball parks are concerned. But it’s pouring the peanuts inside the Coke that makes for a weird Georgia tradition. According to the National Peanut Board, it’s about as southern a tradition as biscuits and gravy. Here are some more southern drinks you might not have heard of.

Idaho: Potato Drop

Idaho has pretty much become synonymous with potatoes. It makes sense then (sort of) that instead of a yearly ball drop on New Year’s Eve, people in Boise, Idaho watch as a giant potato descends at the countdown to midnight.

Kentucky: Bourbon

The state and the whiskey are practically synonymous. Most of the world’s bourbon is made in Kentucky, and that is where its long, brilliant history began. There are festivals every year dedicated to bourbon such as the Bourbon & Beyond Music Festival. Bourbon was used as medicine to treat everything from fevers to snakebites to teething and it took the place of paper money back in the 1800s. By the way, this is the difference between bourbon and whiskey.

Louisiana: King cake

People from New Orleans adore their king cake tradition. Every year starting on Three Kings’ Day (aka January 6) through the Mardi Gras season, local bakeries pump out hundreds of king cakes topped with yellow, green and purple sugar. They are the signature dessert at any self-respecting resident’s party this time of year, and inside each cake, a tiny plastic baby is hidden. The lucky person who gets the slice of cake with the baby tucked inside has to host the next party.

Maryland: Lemon sticks

The lemon stick treat is a Maryland staple dating back more than 100 years. Every year at Baltimore’s spring festival, people give out lemon halves with peppermint sticks shoved in the center as an edible straw. Apparently, it is a sweet and tangy treat that can’t be beat. Every state has one food you have to try.

Minnesota: Meat raffle

Yes, this is exactly what it sounds like. In Minnesota, communities frequently host raffles where the prize is a nice, fresh cut of premium meat. Head down to your local Minnesota market, restaurant or bar and throw in a few bucks for a chance to win some dinner.

Ohio: Circleville Pumpkin Show

Circleville, Ohio celebrates the harvest season with great vigor every October during the Pumpkin Show. People enter their pumpkins to be judged, host parades and even compete to become Miss Pumpkin. Speaking of pumpkins, here’s how to carve a pumpkin.

South Carolina: Chocolate Groom Cake

The southern tradition of a bride presenting her groom with his own special cake on or right before the wedding day still persists in South Carolina. The classic choice of flavor for the cake is chocolate, and the cake can be made to resemble the shape of something important to the groom, like a hobby or a building from his college. The bride apparently only gets the main wedding cake. Somehow, that doesn’t seem very fair.

South Dakota: Potato Days

The people of Clark, South Dakota sure love their spuds. The yearly Potato Days Festival in early August is a means of honoring their favorite crop and having fun for the whole family. Here, mashed potatoes aren’t just for eating—they’re for wrestling. Next, read up on the most popular pie in each state.

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