Mindfulness May Boost Stress During Exams; Try These Foods Too

Examination stress and performance anxiety can be the worst feelings for a child. However, a study published in the Lancet Public Health Journal, mindfulness training can reduce stress during examinations and support students at risk of mental health problems like depression and anxiety. Recent years have seen increasing interest in mindfulness, a means of training attention for the purpose of mental well-being based on the practice of meditation.

"Given the increasing demands on student mental health services, we wanted to see whether mindfulness could help students develop preventative coping strategies," said Geraldine Dufour, Head of Counselling Service at the University of Cambridge in the UK. There is evidence that mindfulness training can improve symptoms of common mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. However, there is little robust evidence on the effectiveness of mindfulness training in preventing such conditions in university students.

For the study, 616 students took part and they were randomized across two groups, which were offered access to comprehensive centralized support at the University of Cambridge, Counselling services in addition to support available from the University and its colleges and from health services including the National Health Service.

The mindfulness course led to lower distress scores after the course and during the exam term compared with students who only received the usual support.

Apart from this training that may help reduce the stress, there are foods that may also help in some way or the other. Here are some foods that you should get them to eat.

1. Lentils

Lentils are packed with all types of B vitamins, which is known to be nature's own happy pill. It helps reduce tiredness and fatigue and stabilize blood sugar, further helping fire up the energy levels.

2. Yogurt

Yogurt is power packed with calcium that is known to slash stress like nothing else. The good bacteria found in yogurt helps to kill anxiety and depression and give a comforting feeling.

3. Coconut

Coconut water is a well-known stress reliever. Coconut contains medium chain fats that improve our mental health and infuse positive energy. The sweet and pleasant taste and aroma of coconut psychologically helps the person to think positively.

4. Herbal teas

Sipping on herbal teas like chamomile can be beneficial. Their antioxidant properties and antidepressant properties help keep your mind calm.

With Inputs from PTI