Michael Jackson followed me around last week. No, ghosts are exactly my thing but in my fuzzy, stress induced state all I could focus on was Just Beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it. No one wants to be defeated! I think the song was clinging on to the huge vendetta I had against Cornell and its entire faculty. Somehow, every single one of my classes scheduled a prelim during the same week.

So, maybe I took it a little personally, but I was so angry and so stressed and so caffeinated that I’m surprised I didn’t get in a professors face screaming beat it by the last one.

Somewhere around the third prelim, I hit a wall. I’m not sure why I thought a third cup of coffee was a good idea right before the test, but everything was buzzing and I literally could barely read the exam in front of me. I feel like its common knowledge that caffeine is counterproductive for test taking, but Michael Jackson was taunting me! I was stoked. I had to kick these professors’ butts. It was personal.

Now that I look back at the week, fists still clenched but finally able to take a deep breath and speak without blurting out random facts about biochemistry, I probably should have taken a different approach. Espresso shots and black coffee aren’t exactly sustainable resources or a reasonable way to bring the blood pressure down. I am notorious for irrational stress and breaking out in a sweat right before an exam. So what can I do next time I’m faced with an unbearable test or a daunting situation? Knowing what I know and being who I am, of course I looked towards food. Food is a huge part of our daily life and therefore has the potential to impact our moods and our bodies dramatically. To make the biggest impact on stress and improve clarity for these situations, food should be utilized.

According to the infamous Dr. Oz and a statement made for Marie Claire magazine, the next time you feel the pressure, there are some foods that may elevate the stress. Oranges, which are packed with Vitamin C, are recognized for their ability to combat stress and reduce blood pressure and cortical levels back to normal. During stressful situations, our body craves sustenance and sweets. Sweet potatoes have the potential to satisfy both and also contain huge amounts of beta-carotene, vitamins, and fiber that keep the body balanced. Apricots and spinach are a powerful source of magnesium, a natural stress reliever, muscle relaxant, and prevent headaches and fatigue. Nuts, especially almonds and walnuts, contain vitamins B and E, which are responsible for regulating the immune system and lowering blood pressure. Turkey contains calming L-tryptophan, which triggers the release of serotonin, a brain chemical that has a relaxing effect on the body. Salmon, known as a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, may keep stress hormones at bay. My all time favorite, avocados, contain the “good” fats that help lower blood pressure. And lastly, vegetables such as kale, broccoli, and others that exhibit a similar dark green color, are packed with critical vitamins that are necessary for keeping our body nourished in order to handle the stress ahead. In addition to the specific foods, Dr. Oz states that eating small meals will keep blood sugar levels stable which prevents a drop in mental, physical, and emotional energy and an increase in stress.

Your state of mind may be as critical as studying when preparing for a test. While burrowing into your usual spot at Mann library, grab an orange or a bag of nuts to munch on from Manndible. If you live close to home, convince your mom that a full out turkey dinner is absolutely critical to getting that A on your calculus test. If you are the run, grab a sweet potato, poke a few holes in it and microwave on high for 5 minutes or until soft. A little cinnamon and a tiny bit of butter and you have a great meal to go. Lastly, utilize foods such as salmon, spinach, green vegetables, and avocados in your pre-exam meal. Take it from me; stress can make you crazy. If eating is a way to keep sane, I’m totally for it.