Finally we’ve hit the last quarter of the year and things are starting to wind down. Or are they?
With matric exams underway and end of the year deadlines that need to be met, my guess is things will probably get a whole lot busier before it gets better.
I feel for matrics, and hopefully those stress levels aren’t going through the roof.
With trying to cram in every little bit of studying, it’s easy to slack on the areas of your life that are as important when it comes to preparing for the most important exam of your life thus far.
Things like sleeping and sometimes even eating take a back seat when all you’re trying to do is remember your notes.
However, a healthy diet and enough sleep can help boost your brain function during this stressful time.
Have a good and hearty breakfast.
A bakkie pap is one of the best ways to kickstart the day.
It will also help you stay focused while writing that tough paper.
Oats is probably the most common and most recommended breakfast dish, plus it’s great for adding to your smoothies and making health bars which is the perfect lunchtime snack.
Any expert will tell you that fruit, veggies and nuts are great sources of energy, and we know you need that by the bucket load when burning the midnight oil.
They also contain all the nutrients your body needs to function when you’re feeling stressed.
This week’s recipes include snacks and shakes that contain at least one of the foods or fruits you should eat when you are felling a bit stressed.
Food to eat when you're feeling stressed.
Oats
When you’re stressed out, the all-important, mood-regulating neurotransmitter known as serotonin takes a hit. The vitamin B6 found in oats is important to keep your brain focused and energized.
Strawberries
High fibre foods, they’re also packed with vitamin C, an antioxidant which has been proven to help people cope in stressful situations.
Strawberries are high in fibre and vitamin C. File image
Red pepper
Red peppers boast the highest amount of vitamin C in the produce aisle − just one cup has over three times the recommended daily intake of the nutrient.
Blueberries
Bursting with vitamins and antioxidants, our bodies benefit from blueberries when we need to repair and protect our cells from stress.
Yoghurt
The bacteria in your gut might be contributing to stress. Consuming probiotics, found in yoghurt, reduce brain activity in areas that handle emotion, including stress compared to people who consumed yoghurt without probiotics or no yoghurt at all.
Eating a cup of blueberries daily reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease Picture: Pexels
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are rich in selenium, a powerful antioxidant that lowers oxidative stress in the body, which in turn reduces inflammation and boosts the immune system.
Portabellini mushrooms and white button mushrooms are particularly good sources of selenium, making them a must-include ingredient in meals.
Try out some of these easy recipes: