There’s only one week left before Tulane enters exam lockdown. Next week, life becomes all about coffee, getting a booth at PJ’s, backpacks brimming with study materials and setting records for closing down the library with friends. Studying for finals is undeniably stressful and staying healthy can become a struggle for even the most well prepared collegiette? on campus.
Instead of waiting until exhaustion sets in and a stress-induced cold hits you like a ton of textbooks, make the last week of classes count by adding some of the following stress-busting foods to your daily diet:
Almonds, Pistachios, Walnuts
Vitamin E and various B vitamins found in almonds help strengthen immune function, while pistachios and walnuts have been found to reduce blood pressure both before and during a stressful experience.
Oatmeal
Lots of fiber ensures that our stomachs digest the carbohydrates in oatmeal slowly, which prolongs the flow of serotonin released by your brain. Serotonin is commonly referred to as the “happiness” neurotransmitter and can help you relax in high-stress situations.
Oranges
The go-to vitamin for a sniffle-free finals period, vitamin C is known for its immune boosting abilities. Researchers discovered lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in subjects who took 3,000mg before making a nerve-racking presentation.
Avocado
Beyond containing healthy monounsaturated fat, avocados have a surprisingly high level of potassium—more than a medium banana, in fact! Getting enough potassium is an easy way to keep blood pressure at a normal level, which can be difficult when there are 100+ other things to worry about.
Salmon
The omega-3 fatty acids in fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and herring may be the antidote to stress hormones. Omega-3’s prevent cortisol and adrenaline from sky-rocketing, helping you stay level-headed no matter what questions your professors throw your way.
Spinach
Feeling fatigued this finals season? Do you have a headache that refuses to go away? Low magnesium levels may be to blame. This mineral keeps stress levels at bay, but a lack of it can lead to fatigue and trigger migraines.
Continue reaching for these foods throughout the exam weeks and instead of sleeping off two weeks worth of sickness and stress when you arrive home, you’ll be able to ease into the holiday season feeling accomplished and healthy.
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