WELLNESS
Study Snacks to Keep Your Brain in Motion Yogurt Pack a yogurt in your backpack paired with some crunchy cereal or granola. The carbs from the cereal will give you the energy you need to get through the day while the protein in the yogurt will keep you feeling full until the end of class. Fall Fruits Tis the season for apples, oranges, bananas, and pears. All jammed full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and carbohydrates, stock your fridge for when you are in need of a burst of energy. Half a Turkey Sandwich Turkey and chicken breasts are lean meats and a smart choice for when you’re in a hurry. Drop by the deli section of your local grocery store and pick up some lunch meat. Can’t get to the store? Head to the Milo Bail Student Center Cafeteria or the Library Café have them cook up a sandwich just the way you like it. Red Peppers & Hummus This combination is a great alternative to veggies and ranch. It provides tons of nutrients and a taste that’s guilt-free. Try it with other veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, sugar snap peas, or raw asparagus, or you could also pick up some hummus with whole-wheat pita from the Library Café.
Almonds & Walnuts These tasty treats are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Grab a handful of almonds on your way out the door to boost your mood and your memory before a test. To avoid overindulging and to control portion size, try filling up half of a small plastic bag. Granola Bars These easy to carry snacks have two awesome benefits that are hard not to love. They are tasty and full of fiber which helps you to maintain a healthy weight and lowers your risk of diabetes. Numerous kinds of granola bars are available in a variety of flavors and sizes to suit your style. Rice Cakes For a nice alternative to chips, try rice cakes when you’re in the mood for something crunchy. You can get as creative as you want by jazzing up your rice cakes with anything from peanut butter to cream cheese to salsa. Dark Chocolate Dark chocolate is more than a sweet snack. It’s a brain-boosting bar. Chocolate with 65 percent or more cacao content contains antioxidants, flavonoids, and theobromine which increases cognitive function and enhances mood. It tastes great and will help you feel and perform better for your exams. Popcorn This puffy, white snack is a staple in any college student’s diet. Try filling up a small baggie to carry on the go. The fiber keeps you full, so you can focus on your studies.
Cold and Flu season With cold and flu season right around the corner and the stress of upcoming midterms and finals, staying healthy is a difficult task. Fighting the cold and flu bugs is especially difficult for college students. Cold and flu viruses thrive on college campuses because that’s where students share close quarters in both their classes and residence halls. Check out Health Services for a flu shot before the season is in full swing, or if you’ve already come down with a cold, ask them about the resources they have available to help you start feeling better. Obviously, it’s better to avoid getting sick altogether. The best way to avoid a nasty cold is to try not to spread yourself too thin, get plenty of sleep and exercise, avoid sharing drinks or personal items with sick classmates, and wash your hands often. Check the Wellness Center for complimentary bottles of hand sanitizer. Carrying a little bottle of hand sanitizer will help when you have an accidental run-in with a major germ hot spot. Watch out for germ hot spots: Desks Doorknobs Elevator buttons Computer lab keyboards Borrowed pens and pencils Vending machine buttons Drinking fountains
FIGHT FINALS BLUES Does finals week have you feeling down? It’s normal to experience some anxiety towards the end of the semester as projects, papers, and exams start piling up, especially if this is your first round of college finals. But if stress is interfering with your ability to focus and accomplish course work or everyday activities, you may benefit from a visit to Counseling 8
Services. Licensed mental health practitioners offer counseling, free of charge. To make an appointment call 402.554.2409, or stop by their new location on the first floor of HPER between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.