Boost your Brain with our Stress Busting Tips

Posted: 23rd April 2025 | Category: Promotions

Join us as we take 5 to boost our mood, eat smart and fight stress with some #FoodForThought. We’re raising a spotlight on how to achieve good mental wellbeing during Mental Health Awareness Week (12th – 18th May).

Nutrient rich food can help build up our resilience to daily pressures, as well as help with memory and fatigue. Across the month, our Mellors units will be boosting our brains with some good mood foods (just in time for exam season!)

How can stress affect us?

Stress is a survival mechanism – a ‘fight or flight’ response. Our cavemen ancestors used stress to alert them to a potential danger (such as dodging sabre-toothed tigers!). Now whilst there are no more tigers to run from, everyday life can trigger this ‘fight or flight’ response.
This involves hormone release (adrenaline, cortisol, norepinephrine).
These hormones provide energy and focus for immediate action, which can be helpful if you are responding to an emergency.
Problems arise when stress occurs OUTSIDE of emergency situations.
Stress has many mental and physical symptoms on the body which can affect how you tackle the world.
Stress diverts blood from the brain, impairing thinking.
Prolonged stress isn’t good for your health – elevated cortisol can increase blood pressure and sugar levels.

How can stress affect us?

From cognitive issues to actual physical symptoms, our body can react to stress in a myriad of ways. Whilst some people may display a combination of symptoms, it is important to recognise that stress affects everyone differently.

Check out the list of some of the symptoms of stress below. Do you recognise these symptoms? It is helpful to understand how you yourself react to stress. Once you are mindful of the effects of stress on yourself, you can be better equipped to recognise it in others.

How can we tackle stress, especially during stressful times (like exams!)?

There are lots of ways we can minimise stress and its effects. Once way to tackle stress is to look at what you eat and drink at these times, and that’s where Mellors comes in!

Sustained Energy: Balanced meals provide a steady release of energy, preventing the highs and lows that come from sugary snacks or skipping meals. This consistent energy is crucial for focus and concentration during long study sessions or exams.
Improved Focus and Concentration: Nutrient-rich foods support brain function, enhancing your ability to concentrate, process information, and retain what you learn.
Enhanced Memory: Key nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like fish and nuts, are vital for memory and cognitive function, helping you recall information during exams.
Reduced Stress: A balanced diet can help regulate your mood and reduce stress levels, which is particularly important during exam periods when stress can hinder performance.
Better Sleep: Proper nutrition promotes healthy sleep patterns, ensuring you’re well-rested and alert for studying and exams.
Stronger Immune System: Nutrient-rich foods bolster your immune system, reducing your risk of getting sick during crucial study periods or exams.
Overall Well-being: A balanced diet contributes to your overall physical and mental well-being, creating a foundation for academic success.