Too busy wrapping up the quarter to pay attention to your health? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. From sugar to weed to sleep, here’s a rundown of five important articles you may have missed while studying for your impending final exams — or procrastinating on Facebook.
1. Dazed now, confused later
Before you puff and pass, think twice; it might keep you sane later in life.
Research out of the Kings College London Institute of Psychiatry has identified a connection between pot use during youth and psychosis in later adulthood, meaning that a few hits every now and then could open the door to a range of mental illnesses down the line. Study participants were screened beforehand to ensure no prior mental health condition existed, and after being tracked for 10 years researchers found that those who frequently smoked pot were about twice as likely to have psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions as their clean-cut counterparts.
This data has significant implications for the controversial issue of legalizing marijuana, and anti-cannabis legislators may find that the costs of granting free access to grass outweigh the benefits. And while not all pot users reach the schizophrenic stage, the possibility raises a powerful argument against its legalization.
Does lighting up once in a while mean you’re going to start having visions or split personalities? Probably not. But make it a habit and you might increase your chances landing in a psych ward bed.
2. Get the (all-natural) glow
The groundhog may have said spring will come early this year, but let’s face it, we live in the frozen tundra of Evanston and the amount of sun we get to bask in during this time of year is simply not enough to maintain a healthy glow. Forget the spray tans and reach for veggies instead.
A Scottish study shows that the antioxidant carotenoid, found in vegetables such as carrots and peppers, is stored in fat cells beneath the skin’s surface, giving off a healthy glow that’s also all natural. What does this mean to you, the sun-starved student anxiously awaiting the return of the rays? A healthy glow has been linked to the perception of attractiveness since the days of Darwin, so getting five doses of fruits and veggies could actually help you score the number of that cutie in your lecture.
3. Too much of a sweet thing?
We all love satisfying our sweet tooth from time to time, but for some, arriving at the point of satisfaction is not so easy. A fine line exists between enjoying sweets and needing them. Consider this an intervention to your sugar addiction.
As with any addiction, the brain is stimulated to crave satisfaction and uses the body to achieve a sense of pleasure. However, the craving for sugar is not usually considered an addiction — until now. A study on teenagers of various body types shows that some dopamine receptors in the brain need heightened levels of stimulation to overcome a sugar craving; therefore, the drive to consume sugar is more intense, likening the sensation to an addiction.
But if you have a hard time stopping yourself from reaching for another handful of M&M’s, Dr. Mark Hyman offers a solution. Maintaining a stable blood sugar levels throughout the day, avoiding sugar altogether, finding hidden food allergies, getting enough sleep and consuming Vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids are all key to cutting your addiction.
If you feel the urge to munch on some sweets now and then, don’t deny yourself. But if you notice your cravings getting out of hand, follow Dr. Hyman’s guide to a healthier you.
4. Catch some Z’s to get some A’s
After a long day of classes and activities, once your coffee buzz has worn off and your eyes can barely stay open, the last thing you want to do is study for that impending final exam. But according to new research, the war between sleeping and studying is about to end.
A study conducted by a Northwestern doctoral student reveals that although new material cannot be learned while sleeping, memory can be strengthened during sleep to reinforce existing knowledge. The data collected show that sound is an important factor in improving memory and future research may find that listening to music while studying and subsequently sleeping can help you retain information during that last-minute cram session.
So what does this mean for you, the exhausted and stressed college student who could use just one more hour in the day? Put on some classical music for ambiance while studying and keep it playing once you hit the hay; you might be surprised at what you remember and your GPA may thank you.
5. A little love goes a long way
Feeling guilty about that late-night Burger King run and for not hitting the treadmills at SPAC last weekend? Give yourself a break, says new research linking positive self-thinking to lower risk of depression and anxiety. The University of Texas at Austin study shows that those who practice self-compassion are more likely to have optimistic outlooks and better motivation to change their flaws. This could mean exercising more frequently or putting in more time studying for your hardest exam.
Negative self-talk is sometimes viewed as a form of self-discipline, which the article cites as a staple in many diet and self-help books; this new information, however, may replace that tactic with practices of self-compassion. The proof that this works can be seen in women’s eating habits: When given a bowl of candy, women who allowed themselves to enjoy the sweets without negative thoughts were less likely to engage in emotional eating later on than those who prohibited themselves from taking the candy.
Whether you struggle with negative self-thoughts around food, school or any other area of your life, self-compassion could be the route a healthier and happier you. So go ahead and enjoy your late-night burger runs; it could the key to your sanity.