Whether March goes out like a lamb or a lion, it can be an exhausting month. Lingering winter weather has overstayed its welcome. Income taxes are hanging over your head. And looming ahead on the horizon is…. Spring Cleaning! Not very relaxing…

At Delysia Chocolatier, we’re firm believers in the adage: When the going gets stressful, the stressed get chocolate.

It’s not just that our rich dark chocolate puts the “comfort” in comfort food (although we defy anyone to deny that curling up in bed with a hot mug of Delysia’s velvety thick drinking chocolate is anything less than supremely soothing).

Dark chocolate is a natural, melt-in-your-mouth chill “pill” that acts upon all your senses in its mission to calm and relax you.

Stop and smell the chocolate

It’s a scientific fact that the mere scent of chocolate increases theta brain waves, which in turn triggers relaxation. Like chocolate, lavender has long been used as a remedy for anxiety and fatigue. Ancient Romans bathed in lavender-steeped water to purify their bodies and spirits. While at Delysia we’re all for restorative baths, we also suggest dipping into our lavender chocolate bark (perhaps in said bath?). This fragrant treat provides a delicious double dose of relaxation, without leaving a ring around the tub.

The relaxing taste of chocolate

Dark chocolate is also rich in tryptophan. Our bodies rely on this essential amino acid to create serotonin, a neurochemical that relaxes our brains and improves our moods. If you want to double the mellow factor, consider indulging in a box of Delysia truffles. Those from our Wine collection combine the sweet consolation of chocolate with the full-bodied flavor of a restorative glass of Merlot, port, or Cabernet Sauvignon.

The stress-reducing touch of chocolate

Few experiences are more conducive to relaxing than a massage. However, imagine the double whammy of blissful respite contained in a chocolate massage. Chocolate’s high content of cocoa butter makes it a natural skin softener and moisturizer. Moreover, the caffeine in chocolate stimulates blood circulation, easing tense muscles. You can easily whip up your own “bad day chocolate” that will relax you in the comfort of your own home. This recipe originated from AmbitousKitchen, and with Delysia’s bark, you can have some yourself with the same local flavor of our chocolate.

You will need:

1/3 cup dark cocoa powder (you can crush up the bark and make it into the powder).

3/4 teaspoon salt, plus more for sprinkling

1 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, browned

3/4 cup (packed) light brown sugar

1/4 cup sugar

1 large egg, room temperature

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips