In the midst of mid-terms and hectic due dates before spring break, we might find ourselves caught up in too much stress...maybe even tears. Today, when you find yourself overwhelmed, too sad or on the verge of an all-out "call-your-mom-consider-dropping-out" kind of breakdown, refer to this list of ways to make yourself a little bit better, a little more stress-free, and a lot happier. Right. Now. It'll be like you're already on the beach, soaking up spring break sun. Not stuck in the library, writing your fourth term paper.
1. Set the right atmosphere.
Long day? Come home, but don't turn on the lights. Use natural light and smaller desk lamps as your main light source. Hey, maybe even turn on the candles. Scientific research has proven that dimming the lights sends signals to your mind to calm down and relax. Case in point, if you're going to pull an all-nighter, don't you dare go to the library. The lights alone will stress you out. Stay in your room. You will immediately be ready to go full zen mode for your evening.
2. Turn OFF technology.
Experts have concluded that for optimal sleep, you should avert your eyes from all "screens" at least an hour before you sleep. Make it a habit to avoid all social media after a certain time every evening. The influx of info that late at night causes your mind to race when you're trying to sleep. Regardless of sleep, constant connection gets really old. Getting countless texts and Snapchats can cause us to feel even more overwhelmed in the middle of a stressful day. It's always best to just turn off the phone when you're too stressed. Doing that eliminates distractions, and will ensure your best work and peacefulness.
3. Change your study music.
If you're listening to Kid Cudi when studying, call it quits. While recommended for babies, listening to Mozart isn't a joke. Classical music has been shown to increase focus and memorization capabilities. Furthermore, you should listen to music that doesn't have lyrics, especially if they can be fast or aggressive. You might be surprised by how much calmer you'll be throughout your day if your study session includes calming classical music.
4. Share a meal with other people.
It's proven by science that eating meals by yourself is psychologically less healthy than eating in groups. Sure, after a day of socialization, you definitely need some alone time. But for the most part, eating with at least one other person has been shown to increase happiness, reduce stress, and calm our nerves. Eating alone, if in a bad mood, might cause us to overthink what's going wrong. Our thoughts might race. Our moods easily worsen. Long story short-- eat with people. Maybe even strangers.
5. Get outside in your bare feet.
This is a complete no-brainer. The outdoors are so beneficial for us. And natural air just honestly feels better. However, why no shoes, you might ask? Well, psychologists have studied the benefits of going barefoot. Besides the fact that it strengthens your feet, it literally causes you to seriously watch where you're going, which in turn, forces you to be present outside. Instead of worrying about an upcoming exam or paper, you're focused on literally what's only right in front of you. Pretty cool if you ask me.
6. Start eating better food.
This is certainly a harder one, because this isn't an easy change! But consistently eating junk without nutrients won't get you into a calm and stable place. Coming from a overboard stress eater, I KNOW. Certified nutritionist Abigail Keeso battled with depression for years, and finally, enough was enough. Keeso studied the effects food has on her brain, and here are her recommendations for happy foods:
Sweet potato- this food's full of Vitamin B6! If you didn't know, lower levels of B6 is associated with symptoms of depression. Get your fill of this for sure.
Spinach- A definite super food, this leafy green is filled with the amino acid trytophan, which will increase our levels of serotonin in the body, which, just makes up happier.
Berries- Yes! Delicious raspberries and blueberries serve as anti-inflammatory aids. The recovery of our body after a long, stressful day is essential, and inflammation is often linked to depression. Plus, they're perfect when covered in chocolate!
Unsalted cashews- Doctors says that two handfuls of cashews is the equivalent of taking the antidepressant Prozac. Enough said.
Pull out a notebook, say it to yourself in a mirror. Heck, even write it on your hand: "I will be happy." When my mom was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer, she decided she wasn't going to let that stop her. She tells me she makes a conscious effort to be happy each and every day-- and I really try to do the same. Let that impact the decisions you make throughout the day. Choose to go to the gym, if working out makes you feel fabulous and fit. Read that book that's collecting dust on your shelf. Take a nap if you'll feel refreshed afterwards. Or just go for a walk if you want to. No matter what it is, choose to do it because you'll be happier afterwards. Ultimately, it will make studying, writing papers, and taking exams a lot easier.
Overall, these changes, while great, will only help if you make a conscious decision to be happy, and not let negative forces get you down. So, yes, eat the spinach. But...wake up with purpose every day, to kick this week's butt-- because spring break is right around the corner. And your brain would really like to not have all of those bad vibes.
