We've all had days where we are just so overwhelmed and uncertain about how things are going to turn out. Believe me, I've been there, whether it's schoolwork, your kids or just life in general. We all think that either a cold beer, a Burger or even a family size pack of cookie's will make us feel better but I'll tell you it may work now but sooner or later it will catch you up to you. I'm going to give you healthy options to relax and afterwards you're going to, not only, feel better about yourself but also will end up being relaxed and get a better nights sleep.

First, just sit back and take 3 deep breaths. As a student I stay up until 12 pm on a good night. Some student don't go to sleep until 2-4 am due to stress. People think we need to rush and get everything done in one night. If you're feeling overwhelmed just sit back in your chair, take your laptop off your lab, or just close your eyes. Inhale and exhale 5 seconds each x3. This will actually lower your heart rate, regulate blood pressure and even lower your cortisol ( stress hormone ). This will tell your body and your brain to slow down.

Now, everyone is guilty of this is one way or another. After a long day we all have that craving of a nice 10 piece chicken nugget or a whopper from our nearest fast food restaurant. Believe me, I'm guilty myself. It's hard getting on a diet without the pressure from work, school or our significant other. At the end of the day it'll be worse for you if you continue on the current path of eating fast food when you're stressed. Unless you're one of the few lucky people who can eat 12 cheeseburgers and loose weight then it can lead to serious health affects in the future. Fast can contain up to 2 times your daily intact of calories in one serving. An average female should eat from 1500-2000 calories a day and 2000-2500 for a male. A burger alone contains over 500 calories without including any drink, fries or a shake. Here is a list of my top 5 healthy food options: 1. Avocados, they contain an abundance amount of potassium which helps lower blood pressure. 2. Whole wheat pretzels, they offer carbohydrates that boost energy. Carrots, offering much need nutrients to our body they also will fill your stomach faster making it a small and healthy snack too much on until lunch or dinner. Almonds or nuts, an over amount of stress can run down your immune system. This will leave you exposed to viruses and bacteria which can lead to sickness. Almonds and other nuts boost your immune systems with vitamins and zinc. Finally, chocolate, yes I know people will say "well that's not healthy". Yes, the milk chocolate and white chocolate are not healthy. But, dark chocolate has a positive effect on the human body, it releases serotonin making you happier and lowers stress hormones. As long as it's eaten in regular portions dark chocolates has an improving effect on the human body.

Whether you want to sit in front of a TV, playing xbox or however you unwind that doesn't involve moving can lead to increased weight and lower self confidence. Don't get me wrong, I watch TV all the time but that's after I do at least 15 minutes of exercise. It doesn't have to be a lot whether it's walking on the treadmill or doing a HITT (high intensity interval training). Doing exercise can improve self-esteem, confidence and make you look better. I know after a long day the last thing you'll want to do is exercise but it releases a hormone called Endorphin. They're the "feel good" hormone your body produces. This can lead to dramatic changes in how you perceive things whether it's bad news or good. These will overall increase your productivity and mood. The world will become a little bit brighter and bad news won't sound as bad as normal and you'll look better.

Finally, music. Music has a way to connect people to others. Whether you listen to Metal, Jazz, Rap or Pop. Something about making something out of nothing really amazes people. Just hearing it and embracing the sounds that can be formed help change people's mood automatically. After a stressful day one of the best things you can do it turn on some music and just embrace the lyrics and sounds. The best type is too slow to slow and rhythmic music. Personally, it worked, for me, the best way is to just sit or lay down and turn on some music and close your eyes. Music can lower blood pressure and decrease cortisol levels. Your body has a hair follicles on the cochlea that takes in noise. When you're listening to music these get utilized and can lead to dopamine being released from the brain. This is why people get goosebumps sometimes when they listen to music and how it can give them "the feel alive" feeling.