Rachel Agnew, a registered dietitian with Nature Made Wellness Advisor, suggests students take a holistic approach to combating low mood: ¡§Small changes such as incorporating 10 minutes of exercise daily, getting adequate sleep, connecting with family and friends and obtaining essential nutrients can help improve mood.¡¨ Agnew has shared some of her top mood boosting tips below.

Tips for Combating Low Mood:

ć Go for a B: B vitamins that is! Lower levels of essential B vitamins, including B6, B12 and folate, may decrease energy levels and contribute to chronic stress, especially during mid-terms and finals. When B vitamins are depleted, not only is overall health in jeopardy, but levels of serotonin, the substance most responsible for soothing nerves can also be decreased, making a positive mood that much more difficult to maintain.

ć Try a Mood Booster: S-adenosylmethionine, better known as SAM-e, is a naturally occurring compound produced by the body and found in all living cells. There is a direct correlation between low levels of SAM-e and low mood. Forty-seven studies have shown that supplementing with SAM-e can help enhance mood, and SAM-e works best when combined with B vitamins.

ć Get Some Rest: Develop a strategy for summoning the Sandman, even if it means missing the occasional party. Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake, avoid exercise near bedtime, and set up and stick to a regular sleep schedule.

ƒá Seek Support from Family & Friends: Being away from home can put a strain on relationships with family and old friends. But with today¡¦s modern communications conveniences, getting mood lifting support from family and friends is as easy as picking up the cell phone or sending an email. When low mood strikes, it¡¦s tempting to turn inward and shut out others, yet friends and family are the best support system. Of course, sharing your feelings with a professional is always another option. Check with the student affairs office to learn about confidential counseling.

ć Find your center: Pursue meditative physical activities to improve the body and mind. Yoga is a great way to channel energy and clear the mind of stressful thoughts through balance, stretching, and breathing. A subject of much clinical research, yoga breathing and meditative practices have been found to help relieve feelings of anxiety. Plus, if the college has a PE requirement, this could be a chance to earn a couple of credits.