Be a Positive Patty!!! De-Stress yourself!

I can't believe the fall semester is coming to a end-- it went by before I could even really appreciate what happen. WHERE DID TIME GO????? But, in honor of the semester concluding, teachers have blessed us with the ever so frightening things we like to call, finals. Along with with finals comes a boat-load of stress, self-doubt, pity-parties, and numerous break downs about your life/major (all in about a two week span might I add). Of course stress is a part of everyday life and learning to deal with it is something we learn as we go, but I thought with the extra amounts this week, I would research the topic and look over some healthy stress relievers. :)

Naturally, exercise was number one on just about everything I could read. Taking time to release those happy endorphins is one of the best things we can do. Not only will you be able to step away from the books for a little, but it will help relieve your mind, get your body moving, and your heart pumping. The APA says, “Biologically, exercise seems to give the body a chance to practice dealing with stress. It forces the body's physiological systems--all of which are involved in the stress response--to communicate much more closely than usual: The cardiovascular system communicates with the renal system, which communicates with the muscular system. And all of these are controlled by the central and sympathetic nervous systems, which also must communicate with each other.”


So how about something we all love... food. Starting out with carbohydrates-- which prompt our brain to produce more levels of serotonin. We always want to choose complex carbs, because they take longer to digest! They also can stabilize your blood sugar which can help avoid spikes or crashes. So, how about adding some Magnesium to your diet? Magnesium helps you avoid headaches and fatigue (common things that happen when I study!). Spinach, edamame, or salmon are all good sources! Try some blueberries, which are full of antioxidants. Antioxidants help with stress-related oxidation that occurs in your body... aka: it will help fight off the bad guys!


Take a break. I know its hard for me to do much less write! But, just taking a break sometimes when you feel overwhelmed with a task is the best thing to do. Surrounding yourself with people you love, and people that make you laugh helps as well. Laughter really is the best medicine. Studies have been shown that it improves blood flow to the heart while at same time lowering overall tension. So grab a funny movie and your best friend, and take a break!


F R E S H AIR! What is worse than being cooped up in the library all day, or sitting in an office while life passes you by outside? Just taking a second to step outside, breathe the F R E S H air can really make a difference!

ZZZZZZ!!! Sleep does wonders for the body. So hard to come by these days, yet so good for the body. How great do you feel after you got in a nap? Or got to sleep for 10 hours? Sleeping lets the body and mind rest. I can't be hypocritical here and say I have never pulled an all-nighter to study, because I definitely have... but I 100% feel awful the next day. "Neuroscientists now believe sleep is not only crucial to brain development, but is also necessary to help consolidate the effects of waking experience – by converting memory into more permanent and/or enhanced forms."-- The Franklin Institute


Most of all, believe in your self. I'm not sure how many times I have said, "I'm gonna fail this test," or "They would never even consider me for that position." It is all about removing anything negative in your life, having faith in yourself, and being thankful for what has been done that day. In one day alone, you have to think about ALL the tasks we as college students, mothers, fathers, husbands, and wives get done. If you believe you'll fail, then indeed you will... so be the best you can be, with the biggest smile on your face. Today is the day.


Yah know, it is amazing to me how much stress can affect our bodies. Two things come to my mind-- Siesta in Italy and Blue Zones. While studying abroad in Italy I learned about a little thing call "Siesta". Pretty much the whole country shuts down for about 2 or 3 hours in the middle of the day. The citizens take this time to do whatever they would like- whether it be have a long lunch, shop, nap, or do absolutely nothing. Another factor contributing to their overall health. Also, something I did not touch on in the blog, because it is so huge, is meditation. If you read my blog, you previously read about Blue Zones. In just about every blue zone, meditation was a part of life. Possibly contributing to their longer life? I would answer yes, but that's just me.

Stay happy and healthy-- now it is time for me to go to bed!

Good luck with the first day of finals everyone!