Feed Your Body A Forest
When we’re under stress, it’s common to reach for comfort foods. This is understandable, and it’s 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: “feed your body a forest.” It’s 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 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’s 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.
TO LEARN MORE:
The Microbiome-Gut-Brain Axis and Sleep in COVID-19 Times
TED platform: Plants, the microbiome, and mental health
February 1, 2021 | Christopher A. Lowry
Mind the Brain, Mental Health in the Time of COVID-19, The microbiome and mental health
July 21, 2020 | Neill Epperson
Minimum Time Dose in Nature to Positively Impact the Mental Health of College-Aged 鶹Ժ, and How to Measure It: A Scoping Review
This set of practices was guided by students in the College of Arts and Sciences. Over 2,000 of your classmates were introduced to these and other wellness practices last semester. The wellness practices included here are among the practices endorsed most frequently as ones students would continue to use in their daily lives. We hope you find them to be of value!