Being a college student can be incredibly demanding. Between academics, extracurricular activities, and social life, it’s crucial to maintain focus for success in all areas of your busy schedule. But rather than hitting the energy drinks section at your local convenience store, ensure you’re providing proper fuel for your brain. Nerdify Reviews experts prepared a list of four fantastic brain foods that will boost your energy and provide essential nutrients to keep you focused and energized.

Nerdify Reviews What are Brain Foods and Why are They Important

Eating the right foods can significantly impact your brain function and overall cognitive health. Known as “brain foods,” certain foods are rich in nutrients that can help protect and nourish your brain. For example, foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and walnuts, are great for improving memory and reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Other brain-boosting foods include blueberries, which are packed with antioxidants that protect against stress and inflammation, and leafy greens like kale and spinach, which are rich in vitamins and minerals that support brain health. Incorporating more brain foods into your diet can give your brain the fuel it needs to function at its best.

Nerdify Reviews How do Brain Foods Help You Focus

In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining focus can sometimes be a challenge. Fortunately, certain foods can help keep our brains sharp and focused. Blueberries are one example of brain food that contains flavonoids that can improve memory and concentration. Nuts like almonds and walnuts provide vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, enhancing cognitive abilities. Leafy greens, like spinach and kale, contain antioxidants that protect the brain cells from damage. Lastly, fatty fish like salmon and tuna are high in omega-3s, which can improve brain function and decrease inflammation. Incorporating these brain foods into your daily diet could improve focus and productivity.

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids 

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fat that our bodies need but can’t produce independently. Instead, we have to get these essential fatty acids from our food. The benefits of omega-3s are numerous and well-documented – they can help reduce inflammation, improve brain health, and lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. Not all omega-3s are created equal, however. The most beneficial types of omega-3s are EPA and DHA, which are found in fatty fish like salmon, and supplements like fish oil capsules. If you’re looking to boost your intake of these important nutrients, adding omega-3-rich foods or supplements to your diet is worth considering.

2. Nuts and Seeds 

Nuts and seeds are not just delicious additions to snacks and meals. Their various health benefits make them a must-have in any diet. From almonds to pistachios, these tasty treats are packed with nutrients such as protein, fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats that help keep you feeling full and satisfied. They’re also known to promote heart health, boost brain function, and help regulate blood sugar levels. Not only are they great for your body, but nuts and seeds are also incredibly versatile and can add crunch and flavor to various dishes. So next time you’re looking for a nutritious and tasty snack, reach for a handful of nuts or seeds and reap the many benefits they offer!

3. Whole Grains 

Incorporating whole grains into your diet is an intelligent choice when it comes to eating healthy. Compared to refined grains, whole grains contain all three parts of the grain kernel, including the bran, germ, and endosperm, which means they offer higher fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. This nutrient-rich profile has been linked to numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk for heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. So if you want to change your diet, consider swapping out white bread, pasta, and rice for whole-grain options like quinoa, brown rice, and whole-wheat bread. Your body will thank you for it!

4. Dark Leafy Greens 

Dark leafy greens are a beloved staple in the world of healthy eating and for good reason. Rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, they provide a powerhouse of nutrients in every bite. These dark-hued veggies are delicious and packed with health benefits, from spinach to kale to collard greens and beyond. They have been linked to reduced risk of chronic diseases and improved immune function. So if you want to add something extra to your diet, consider incorporating some dark leafy greens into your meals. Your body (and taste buds) will thank you.

Nerdify Reviews How to Include Brain-Boosting Foods for Students in Your Diet 

Eating a balanced diet is essential for good health, but sometimes it can be challenging to incorporate certain foods into your meals. Here are some suggestions for including commonly overlooked foods in your diet to make things easier. For leafy greens like spinach or kale, add them to smoothies or mix them with your favorite pasta dish. Nuts and seeds can be great snacks or added to salads or oatmeal for a nutrient boost. Fish is an excellent source of protein and healthy fats – try baking or grilling salmon with some lemon and herbs for a delicious and nutritious dinner. Lastly, remember the importance of fruits and vegetables – try to aim for various colors to get all the nutrients your body needs. With some creativity, it’s easy to incorporate these foods into your diet for a healthier and happier you. 

In Conclusion

Remember: investing in good nutrition now can pay off in spades when it comes to increasing mental clarity!  So don’t forget to eat those brain foods and make tomorrow brighter than ever! 

For more information on how students today can stay organized, focused, and energized while pursuing higher education goals – head over to the website’s blog for more college-related information.

Many girls dream of joining a sorority one day. Well, now you’re in college, and the time is finally here! Nerdify reviews team agrees that the sorority rush is an incredibly exciting time, but it can also be very stressful and intimidating. There are definitely ways to make this process easier on yourself and to keep a good head on your shoulders, you can see a lot of Reddit users sharing their advice. Keep reading to learn about how to approach sorority rush in the healthiest and most positive way possible!

1. Academics Matter!

If you are thinking about going through a sorority rush, make sure your grades are in order. Most schools have a GPA requirement that students must meet in order to rush and that GPA needs to be maintained in order to stay involved in Greek life. Some sororities even have a higher GPA requirement than the standard set by the university. Nerdify reviews experts remind you that academics are the reason you are there in the first place, and they need to remain your top priority.

2. Make Sure Your Online Presence Reflects Your Best Self

Sororities will look at your social media. It is your responsibility to make sure that you do not have anything posted online that would reflect poorly on you or your future sorority. This is a good rule of thumb anyways, as you will have employers looking at your social media in the future as well. A good principle to follow is that if you wouldn’t want your grandma to see it, it probably shouldn’t be posted online.

3. Keep an Open Mind About Rush

This is one of the most generic pieces of advice you will hear when you are rushing a sorority, but it really is so important. Remember, you are not just there to impress them, they need to impress you as well. Reddit users also state that sororities are all competing with each other for new members, so why not give them all a fair shot? So many girls end up going a completely different direction with their sorority choice than they expected to. You really don’t know which sorority you will mesh with the most until you get to know the girls and go in without expectations. If you do this, you will surely make friends in multiple organizations, like a lot of members of Nerdify reviews team did, which will only benefit you and boost your connections at your university.

4. Always Be Yourself, but Be the Best Version of Yourself

It is important to be authentic, but you are still trying to impress these girls at the same time. Reddit users say you present yourself in the best possible light. Identify what your strengths and weaknesses are, and focus on putting your strengths forward for the girls to see. Avoid saying anything negative about any of the other girls or organizations. A pro tip from Nerdify reviews experts: keep it positive! It’s best to avoid telling any stories that make you look bad, like how hammered you may have gotten the night before. This may be a funny story to tell your best friend, but it is not appropriate for sorority rush.

5. Be Outgoing, Have Quality Conversations

Try and be as outgoing as you possibly can be. The quiet girls in the background often get overlooked, not because they’re doing something wrong, but because a sorority is not going to give a bid to a girl that nobody got to know personally or had a meaningful conversation with. If nobody in the organization can even remember who you were because you were silent the whole time, you almost certainly won’t get a bid. So be willing to get out of your comfort zone and put yourself out there, don’t hesitate to navigate Reddit to find some stories you can relate to. Remember, you are trying to get to know them as well!

6. Be Willing to Go in a Different Direction Than Your Friends

Oftentimes girls will go through a rush with their friends, and this can get tricky if they want to stick together. Your best friend may get a bid somewhere and you won’t, or vice versa, and if your top priority was to stay together, this is going to feel really lousy. It’s okay to lean on your friends for support during the rush process, but consider keeping your preferences to yourself. It is a private process for a reason. Be willing to set a boundary with your friends if they want to know what your preferences are. You and your friends will not necessarily vibe with the same organization and that’s okay! You can be in different sororities and still maintain your friendship. In fact, it is preferable to have friends in multiple organizations.

7. Breathe and Have Fun

The sorority rush is a stressful process that can make you insecure and doubt yourself. But it’s also special and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But, take this from Nerdify reviews team: at the end of the day, this is all about having fun and making friends. Try to be as sociable as possible, even if you are not extroverted by nature, and you will make friends regardless of the outcome. Use this as a time to laugh, make memories, and reflect on what you want out of your college experience.

Here is another blog post dedicated to Nerdify reviews of the most interesting and important stuff. This time we want you to meet Chelsey – one of our top Nerds. Hear her out.

Hello, I’m Chelsey. I decided to contribute into Nerdify Reviews topic to share my experience and help people who suffer from the phenomenon of “unhealthy perfectionism”. I see myself as a perfectionist, albeit an unhealthy one. I mentally criticize people (specifically new ones) who I think do not meet my standards or expectations.  

I’m afraid of failure because I always want to be “perfect”. In school, I exert as much effort as I can in my exams. When the results are not in my favor, I would internally beat myself up for not getting the grade I desire. I tend to be overly cautious of taking risks, possibly rooted from my fear of failure. If I stay in my comfort zone, then nothing will happen.

I conducted a short research about perfectionism, and I’d say that (to an extent) I inhibit one of the main signs of a perfectionist. I’m not surprised; perfectionism does have harmful effects on my mental health.

What is Perfectionism?

Perfect means “… being entirely without fault or defect.” Now, if we look at Merriam-Webster’s definition of perfectionism, it means “… to regard anything short of perfection as unacceptable.”

In psychology, perfectionism in the psychological field means “… striving for flawlessness and setting high-performance standards….”

If they do not meet such standards, it would take a huge toll on their self-esteem and self-worth. On the same vein, unattained goals and standards would contribute to disappointment and unhappiness. Possibly, even depression.

Why is it a Toxic Trait? 

People usually regard perfectionism as a “positive” trait. I’ve read articles that it is a cliché answer to the job question, “what is your weakness?”

Yes, it can be your weakness. But did you know perfectionism is more than that? Are you aware that it is toxic to your mental health and detrimental to your growth? For the curious soul, here are the reasons why:

You can’t bring yourself to commit mistakes or experience failure, for they make you believe you are incompetent. You have to be ready to face failure in order to be successful.

You don’t celebrate with pure joy and happiness. Instead, your success and achievements are met with scorn and self-criticism. Negative self-talk is what harms your happiness. You are too focused on the negative aspect of things.

You are afraid of being judged. You like other people to see you as a perfect human being (when in fact, you’re not). Perhaps you are hesitant in stating your flaws, as it may ruin your “perfect” self. There’s internal pressure involved too.

Apparently, these reasons are also correlated with the signs of perfectionism. Let us move on.

Five Signs of Perfectionism

1. Setting high (unrealistic) goals and standards

There’s nothing bad in establishing standards and not settling for anything less. It’s not even bad to have high goals. However, creating unrealistic standards and goals is unhealthy because they have to be realistic. Further, you are pressured to accomplish your goal no matter what. You may even have the tendency to expect that everyone has to abide by your… demanding and ultra-high standards. As said by Amy Morin, a psychotherapist. perfectionists are critical of people and expect them to be perfect as well.

2. Fear of failure/Making mistakes and staying within your comfort zone

You set a goal for yourself, but you are afraid of failure. In that regard, you are more inclined to focus on the end results (without fail) rather than enjoying the thrill and experience of achieving your goal.  On the other hand, you refuse to move out of your “shell” because you don’t want to disappoint yourself (or anyone). Hence, you lean towards tasks you can do successfully—100% guaranteed. This brings more harm than good to your mental health and personal growth.

3. Trust issues

According to Elizabeth Lombardo Ph.D., perfectionists rarely delegate tasks because they think that their peers cannot do the job correctly. In practical settings, you don’t trust your colleagues enough if you want to assign them work. In the end, you do everything by yourself.

4. Low self-esteem and unhappiness

Let’s say you are angry with yourself because you failed to reach your goals. You immediately conclude you are inadequate and flawed. It can leave you a feeling of unhappiness and dissatisfaction. Kendra Cherry states that fear of failure is a sign of low self-esteem.

5. Negative self-talk and too critical

Perfectionists have the habit of finding faults in their achievements— no matter how small that is. You loathe yourself because you are not good enough. Therefore, your mind ends up being clouded with negative thoughts. You are also too critical of other people. Like I said, perfectionists highly expect their peers to be of “high standard” and “perfect”. This may push (or intimidate) people away. Unfortunately, it can lead to loneliness.

Overcoming Perfectionism: What Can You Do?

1. Accept the realities of life

Let’s do a reality check—you have to acknowledge that everyone, including you, makes mistakes in life. We fail in life— tests, interviews, work, assignments, and etc. At the end of the day, they push us to do better and improve ourselves.  Just like everyone else, you have flaws. Don’t expect people to be exactly like you. Every individual is different. 2

2. Take on the challenge

Risk-taking is hard, as we do not know what is beyond the abyss of the unknown. If you are eyeing an activity that you’ve always wanted to try, go on ahead… don’t be afraid of failure and mistakes. Let go, and experience the “challenge” in all its glory.

3. Be open to learning

We have to reskill to cater to the demands of the 21st century. Skills are also a plus point in the workforce. When you are learning, always remember that everyone starts out as a noob or a newbie.

4. Set realistic goals and standards

Be grounded in reality! It’s fine to have high standards, but they have to be realistic. Use your standards as a guide or a framework, rather as an absolute ideal.  Also, make your goals feasible (Remember SMART?). Again, don’t let failure bring you down. Failure does not mean that you are garbage, and it does not define who you are. As said by Oscar the Grouch, “just because you’re trash doesn’t mean you can’t do great things. It is called garbage can, not garbage cannot.”

Don’t forget to reward yourself if you achieved something big or small. Bring nothing but good vibes ☺

5. Learn to trust and delegate tasks

This is a leap of fate you must take. If you are overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to ask your colleague for assistance. You have to learn to understand and work with your peers. Bear in mind that you can’t do everything by yourself all the time. 

After reading about perfectionism, I realized that I need to work on myself. I’d say that it was an eye-opening experience. Perfectionism is embedded in my psyche, and it will be a challenge to completely get rid of it. I hope this article has made you reflect on yourself.

How about you? Do you consider yourself as a perfectionist?

xoxo, Chelsey

More Nerdify reviews to come, stay tuned!