Daily Hacks

There are many situations when you say you are going to do something and for some reason (procrastination) you don't.  For example, you know you have to email your group the blueprint for a very important PowerPoint and for some reason you leave it for last minute.  I'm am DEFINITELY not speaking from experience....yeah I am.

My point is that we "know" the job has to be done but there is still that mental block that stops us from doing what needs to be done.  

The solution to these blocks is to create hacks, yup, brain hacks.  The types of hacks that will feel like ordinary habits, but are essentially helping you get the job done.  If you can get it into your mind that this is a "HACK" you can pull off some great things.




5 Brain Hacks

Hydration-  I know some of you are thinking, "really? water?"  and I couldn't be more serious.  Did you know that water is good for your skin, losing weight, gaining muscle, and even improving joint movement.  So ha! take that H2O haters! (I hope there isn't an actual cult out there who hates water, that's just weird).

Breakfast-  Eating healthy starts in the brain.  "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day"  We've heard it our entire lives and anytime is the right time to start eating right.  For the last couple of weeks I've been on a mission to eat healthy and workout daily, besides Sundays Lord knows I need my break.  Eating a good breakfast gives you energy, and boosts your mood. 

My favorite breakfast is five egg whites, half an orange, two slices of wheat bread and a large cup of water, sounds good right?  

Stop Smoking-   I take pride in saying that I have never touched a cigarette or any of that "green stuff"  If you know what I mean.  Smoking is a bad habit that many people have.  We all know that the ultimate consequence of smoking is death so why not stop now?  Always remember that the battle starts from within.  If you can convince yourself that you want to live, then you'll stop smoking.  Here's a link to a website that has information on how you or anyone you know can stop smoking.  BeatingSmoking

Sleep- Oh how we love to sleep.  Snooze buttons around the world feel the wrath of the sleeping beasts we humans are.  The trick is to get just enough sleep to feel rested, and energized when you wake up.  Of course, this is easier said than done. Adults need approximately 7.5 hours of sleep, while teens need about 8 hours.   I can go some days with only four hours of sleep, but there are others where I walk around looking like an extra in "The Walking Dead".  

Brain Food-  Yes brain foods exist.  Eating right helps many things and if you feel like you're slacking when it comes to memory, energy, or even mood it might prove that your poor eating habits are to blame.  I have an entire post on "BrainFoods", go check it out! 


So there you have it, five hacks that can help any person out who needs that little pick me up.  Hope you enjoyed!

-L.U.J 

Brain Food

As everyone gets their minds back into school,  I thought a post on some brain foods might be helpful.  If you're like me, time off of school means complete shutdown mode.  I don't want to hear the words discussion board or syllabus.  The holiday season has passed and the brain needs that little pick me up to get it back into college mode.

Taking care of yourself is essential to making it through college so here are 20 foods that can help your brain stay fresh and focused for the next semester!


 1.Fish-  I am sure many of you have read somewhere that fish is brain food and it is.  Fish is high in protein and helps the brain stay alert.






2.Berries- We've always known that fruits and veggies are a great part of a balanced diet, but it is said that berries go straight to the brain.  Blueberries can help with memory.  Instead of snacking on a blueberry Pop-Tart grab a hand full of blueberries while you're studying and your chances of passing a test will skyrocket!




3.Nuts-  Walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts no matter the type, nuts are said to help clear up junk stored in your brain.  Nuts make for a great snack, are rich in protein and have omega-3 fatty acids.







4.Salmon-  The omega-3 fatty acids are essential to a healthy lifestyle and for a healthy brain, plus this stuff is delicious!










5.Greens-  The greener the better! Leafy greens are a jam packed with nutrients and if you're busy studying, just like fruits, vegetables can help boost that memory!










6.Oysters- Unlike other shell fish, oysters are reported to be good for you and can help with mood enhancement.

7.Tuna- Similar to the oysters, tuna also helps with your mood and is rich in vitamin B. Tuna makes for a great snack as well.








8.Whole Grains-  Whole grain is better than anything processed.  If you want to maintain concentration, eat something whole grain while studying.

9.Sunflower Seeds-  Many consider sunflower seeds junk food but these seeds contain healthy fats, protein and even some antioxidants all used to help that brain stay active.

10.Green Tea- Despite the caffeine, tea that is brewed fresh will help your brain by delivering it the antioxidants that it needs.










11.Coffee-  Obviously we aren't talking about a sugar packed cup from Dunkin' but coffee actually has some  fiber in it and the boost of energy you get from it is an added plus.  Drinking it moderately is always key.

12.Eggs-  One of the most potent foods for the health freak, eggs are packed with nutrients.  At an average of about 70 calories, the egg is super healthy and can help with your memory as well.  The egg white is only 17 calories for those of you keeping count.








13.Avocados-When it comes to brain foods, avocados should be high on your list.  It has healthy fats, and can be used  in many meals.







14.Eggplant-  Not my favorite on the list but the eggplant especially its skin, can help with the communication between our brain cells.  I guess I just haven't had it cooked right.

15.Tomatoes- Rich in antioxidants, tomatoes can actually help against cell damage.

16.Yogurt-  A very versatile food, yogurt can help improve nerve function and it also helps with alertness and mood.

17.Chocolate-  Not a bag of M&M's, but chocolate is PACKED with health benefits.  Dark chocolate can help with mood, concentration, cognitive skills and even blood flow to the brain.  Who would have thought?!

18.Brown Rice-  Way better than white rice, brown rice is said to have carbohydrates that are excellent to maintaining cardiovascular health, which in turn helps out the brain.

19.Garlic-  Despite the funky breath, garlic can help reduce cholesterol, is packed with antioxidants that help protect the brain and can also help the cardiovascular system.  If that isn't enough for you, it can also be used to fight off vampires. 





20.Olive Oil- Healthy fats are the best fats!  Olive oil can be used to cook and season your food without the added nastiness that other oils have.  If you eat right, your brain will see the effects.




There are many more foods out there that can boost your brain! Keep in mind that a healthy brain, is a strong brain.

P.s, if you want to really make an impression on a professor and pass your class, munch on some garlic while you're sitting in the front. ha.ha

You'll get an A+ guaranteed!

Catch you next time!

L.U.J