Nuts
Nuts are full of good fats and magnesium, which helps keep cortisol (stress) levels low. Like the veggie sticks above, the physical distraction of munching on nuts one by one can work as an edible stress ball whilst giving you loads of useful energy.
An added bonus is that walnuts are particularly good for improving your memory as they're full of omega 3 and polyphenols (also good for stress).Coconut
According to a recent study by Columbia University, the smell and taste of coconuts can help return your blood pressure to normal levels during times of stress.
We're not really sure why that is, though. Maybe it's the totally tropical connotations? Grab yourself some coconut pieces or a coconut yoghurt to test out their theory.Asparagus
Bit of a weird one, but apparently since asparagus is packed full of vitamin B, it's the ideal snack for de-stressing.
It does, however, turn your pee a funny colour, and we're not sure it's that practical a library snack. Worth bearing in mind anyway!
Berries
Pretty much all berries are packed with vitamin C which is good for loads of things, particularly reducing stress and keeping your immune system strong.This is handy during exam period since, as we all know, this is the time when everyone around you starts getting sick (yourself included).
Berries can be expensive, but try buying boxes of them frozen from supermarkets and separating them into freezer bag portions when you get home, then you can take them out of the freezer each day.
Bananas
Bananas are amazing for a number of reasons: For a start, they're full of vitamin B-6 which is great for producing happy hormones by boosting the serotonin levels in your body.
Bananas also keep your blood pressure down and regulate your blood sugar levels, which will help prevent the feeling that the world is ending when the days before exam time start closing in. Keep calm and grab a banana!
Watch out though – they do tend to ripen quite quickly! Make sure you store them properly to make them last longer.Dried fruit
Credit: Bergamont - Shutterstock
They might look a bit weird and wrinkly, but dried fruits are really good for you, as they're full of fibre, iron, potassium and antioxidants.
The only issue is that since they're all shrivelled up to 1/4 the size of a normal piece of fruit, they're easy to over-consume, so watch you stick to set portions!Oatmeal
Oats are really high in magnesium, vitamin B6 and potassium, making them great for combatting anxiety.
Try making your own oatmeal flapjacks at home (with honey or agave syrup in place of sugar) and taking them to uni with you. They're a brilliant, slow-burning energy treat.Dark chocolate
Ok, ok, we know dark chocolate isn't exactly a naturally sweet snack, but so much research has shown that dark chocolate is good for you that we had to include it here.
Not only will it satisfy any chocolate cravings you have, but it has also been proven to produce endorphins, increases blood flow to the brain and provides just the right amount of caffeine to give you a kick without making you crash.
Although make sure you go for chocolate that's 70% cocoa and above (none of that sweet, milky stuff) and beware that small quantities are really important here – stick to nibbles!
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