SIMPLE SUGGESTIONS FOR STRESSFUL CIRCUMSTANCES

BERRIES, BROCCOLI AND BEANS: GET YOUR FIBER ON!

HIV TESTING IS FREE AT HEALTH SERVICES

SIMPLE SUGGESTIONS FOR STRESSFUL CIRCUMSTANCES

When you are feeling stressed, try one (or all) of these 3 simple strategies.

• Take a deep breath. Go ahead, take a deep breath right now. Doesn’t that feel better? Deep breathing lowers your heart rate, increases oxygen to your brain and triggers a relaxation response all over your body. Deep breathing can lower your stress levels and elevate your mood. Things that could come in handy during finals, right?

• Have a snack. When you’re busy it can be hard to find time to eat. But if you make it a priority to eat a snack every few hours and drink plenty of water, it will keep your blood sugar up, improve your brain function and energy levels, and make it easier to get through finals.

• Be kind to yourself. According to one theory on human development, we have learned to focus heavily on negative things as a survival mechanism. We need to unlearn this response in many situations because it creates stress and anxiety. By recognizing your successes and reminding yourself that you’re doing your best, you’ll actually feel less stressed.

Click here to learn more about stress management.

BERRIES, BROCCOLI AND BEANS: GET YOUR FIBER ON!

What do berries, broccoli and beans have in common? All are foods rich in fiber that can help digestion, prevent constipation, and may help lower cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease. Dietitians recommend 20-30 grams of fiber per day, but aiming for this amount right away may cause an upset stomach. Instead, try adding 3 to 5 grams at a time by including a serving of fiber-rich foods, such as adding 1 cup of broccoli on your Jo's salad, or 1/3 cup of beans to your quesadilla.

To learn more about the benefits of eating fiber visit this page on the Mayo clinic site.

HIV TESTING IS FREE AT HEALTH SERVICES

The CDC recommends that all sexually active people get tested for HIV at least once a year. Learn more about HIV and HIV testing here.

Free, confidential HIV tests for Brown students are available at Health Services by appointment. Call 401-863-3953 or schedule your appointment online at https://osh.brown.edu/.