Mood Foods

 Do you catch yourself being cranky, irritable and quick to snap at friends, family, and coworkers? If so, then you might need a better eating plan. The main thing to do is stabilize your blood sugars, which in turn will improve your mood. Here are some strategies to do just that.

Eat every 4-5 hours: You will provide your brain and body with a constant source of fuel if you eat consistently during the day. It will also considerably prevent dramatic changes in your blood sugar levels.

Limit Refined Carbohydrates: Your best bet here would be to consume more high-quality carbohydrates, such as fruits, vegetables, beans, wild rice, and oatmeal. Concentrated sources of sugar such as soda and candy can cause major spikes/drops in your blood sugar, which will make you to feel cranky and tired.  And because of the fast metabolizing rate, white starches, such as rice and bagels, can cause the same effect even though they naturally do not contain sugar compounds.

Incorporate Soluble Fiber: Foods that contain a lot of soluble fiber tend to decrease the amount of sugars that is absorbed into your blood stream, which allows for fewer mood swings.  Examples of foods containing plenty of soluble fiber are carrots, oranges, oats, apples, peas, sweet potatoes, pears, and strawberries.

Incorporate Protein (with meals and snacks whenever possible): This has the same effect as the soluble fiber. Tofu, veal, fish, poultry, seafood, eggs, and low-fat yogurt are some smart protein choices.

Omega-3 fats: Research is currently being done on the effects of omega-3 fats, which can lift moods and alleviate depression. It can be found in walnuts, canola oil, and oily fish such as sardines and salmon. You could also take fish oil pills/softgels, but make sure you consult your physician first.

Folic Acid and B12: The body creates serotonin using these two vitamins. Therefore, a low blood level of these vitamins can lead to depression. Good sources of folic acid include sunflower seeds, oranges, oatmeal, lentils, soybeans, broccoli, whole-grain breakfast cereals, and black-eyed peas. Good sources of B12 include skim and reduced fat milk, eggs, cottage cheese, low-fat yogurt, lean beef, shellfish, and wild salmon.

Vitamin D: Not only does this vitamin increase serotonin, but research suggests that it can relieve mood disorders, especially ones such as SAD (seasonal affective disorder). Vitamin D rich foods include egg yolks, fish with bones, fat free/low fat milk, and fortified soy milk. There are not a lot of foods containing vitamin D, so a supplement or a daily multivitamin could help, but be sure to consult with your physician first.

Last Updated on Thursday, 16 September 2010 07:51

Sharing is Caring

 One of the many features of Res-Life.net is the ability share information with one another. This can be done is many ways: 1) Sharing notes in Groups via file sharing, 2) Participating in forums, and 3) Writing articles.

6 Steps to Cope with Stress

 As the semester winds down, the stress winds up. Stress is most abundant this time of the year and some students find themselves in a sink or swim situation. Some people believe that stress is evitable and that it must control their lives, but that is wrong. I personally have four semester projects, one of which is a major project that determines whether I graduate and I have to present it to the faculty and staff of my major. On top of that I have to study for finals and secure an internship this summer. At a glance one would think that I should be a basket case, but I’m not. How is that possible? Well I follow six basic ideals that I will outline below:

Programming Ideas

 One of the best ways to find new programming idea's is to look at other Universities Residential Life websites. I found the following list from James Madison University. If your University has great content and would like for us to share it, Please let us know!

Academic Program Ideas

This is a list of programs that have been completed in the past.

 

 

• "Book Fair" : Come Trade/ Sell Your Books!
• "But I have miles to go before I sleep…" - Robert Frost
• "Do You Want To Score?" 
• "I'm a Big Kid Now": Life After JMU
• Proof Reading with English Majors
• Steps for Academic Success In College

Life-Saver Pass

Materials:

• Life Savers Hard Candies
• Toothpicks

How to play:

Have the group stand up and split into two parallel lines. Hand everyone a toothpick. Everyone must place one end of the tooth pick in their mouth, biting down on the tip. It's best to have as much of the toothpick as possible sticking out from your lips, while at the same time having a good grip on the end of the toothpick.

Last Updated on Saturday, 03 April 2010 20:36