When we鈥檙e under stress, it鈥檚 common to reach for comfort foods. This is understandable, and it鈥檚 important to be gentle on yourself during challenging times.
At the same time, here is an idea brought to you by Professor Christopher Lowry and the Crown Institute: 鈥渇eed your body a forest.鈥� It鈥檚 a reminder to seek out fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds and try new ones, when possible, in your daily diet. These foods are important for听maintaining a healthy microbiome, keeping your body functioning at its best, and helping you manage stress.
Also, when you have limited access to diverse and healthy foods, try spending some time outside in the sun and fresh air. If it鈥檚 combined with movement like walking, hiking, or other exercise, this is a great way to care for your body, even when social distancing requires you to do so on your own. There are many resources at CU Boulder if you are experiencing food insecurity.
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TO LEARN MORE鈥�
The Microbiome-Gut-Brain Axis and Sleep in COVID-19 Times
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TED platform: Plants, the microbiome, and mental health听
February 1, 2021听 |听 Christopher A. Lowry
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Mind the Brain, Mental Health in the Time of COVID-19,听The microbiome and mental health
July 21, 2020听听|听 Neill Epperson
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Minimum Time Dose in Nature to Positively Impact the Mental Health of College-Aged Students, and How to Measure It: A Scoping Review