As finals season approaches, it’s inevitable that stress will creep up on us. It’s important to make sure your eating habits do not become unhealthy just because of your stress overload. Luckily for you, there are some quick and easy tips to help you resist the urge to drown yourself in a tub of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream.

 

1. Grab a handful of nuts

Nuts are jam packed of magnesium which will help keep your cortisol levels low. Magnesium also helps the body create energy and will give you brain-power so you can kick your finals in the butt!

 

2. Drink tea, not coffee

A study done by University College London shows that drinking tea vs coffee  helped lower the levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. Drinking green tea full of theanine also helps increases the brains output of relaxation-inducing alpha waves.

 

3. It’s okay to indulge in a sweet treat once in a while

Sugary foods have actually been proven to decrease the levels of anxiety-producing hormones by producing glucocorticoid. A little sugar in your body gives you the “feel-good” effect, just don’t overdo it!

 

4. Make sure to eat your leafy greens!

I know, I know. The thought of snacking on a head of lettuce sounds pretty disgusting, doesn’t it? Instead of bringing a bag full of kale to the library with you, try making a green smoothie! They taste a whole lot better and they’re rich in folate, a key nutrient that helps regulate your mood.

 

5. Indulge in some dark chocolate

Chocolate with a high percentage of cacao can have positive effects on your mood. stress level, immunity and memory. It is the most endorphin-producing food on earth and mimics the stimulant found in marijuana that allows us to relax.

 

6. Blueberries

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants which increase the serotonin levels in your brain to reduce stress.

 

7. Set ground rules!!!

We’ve all been there. Stress can impact your eating habits to an extreme. Remember, do not deprive yourself from eating the foods you like. Doing this often leads to binge-eating which will only increase your stress-levels. Instead, plan on eating small portions of the foods you love. Along with that, make sure to not eat late at night as your body tends to store  the food as fat instead of using it to burn as energy. Finally, take a deep breath and relax. You’ve got this!