Trying to keep healthy during exam season may seem impossible. But it really is important that you’re taking care of yourself physically and mentally during all your 4am study sessions. Making sure your needs are met will get you those grades more efficiently than if you just deteriorate into a back of Cheetos.
Water is important to keep healthy on any given day, we’re supposed to have at least 8 glasses of it. Sometimes when we’re studying we forget to take a second to drink. Not keeping yourself hydrated can lead to dehydration, headaches, and an inability to focus. Make sure you’re getting those 8 glasses!
I’m sure most of you are saying, “There’s no time to hit the gym during exam season”, and I get that you’re totally right. But even just getting off your bed/chair and doing a few sit ups or jumping jacks can help clear your mind and ensure that you get a good nights rest before your exams.
Those 2am cravings for cookie dough ice cream are REAL while studying but its best to turn them down. Eating unhealthy during a stressful period of your life is just going to make you feel even worse. Sluggish and fatigued are not moods you want to be in while writing an exam. Stick to those greens and fruits for maximum brain power.
Although it’s only normal to withdraw from your social group a little during exam time, make sure you’re still in contact. Your social life is just as important to your brain as exercise. Remember, most of your friends are going through the same thing. Checking up on each other every now and then is beneficial for everyone.
“We were on a break!” is definitely not a Friends line you want to use to defend a failed exam, but taking a walk and getting some fresh air every couple hours will actually help you stay focused. Maybe use this break to get some healthy snacks or some leg exercises.
Keeping the mind clear is the key to retaining all that information you’ll need for exams. Try doing some meditating or mindfulness before you start your study session to relax. Most universities also offer programs during exam periods to distress like petting dogs and yoga classes. Make sure to check your school’s registrar’s office to keep up to date on relaxation classes!
Everyone loves sleep…and a lot of it. You need it to keep healthy. But I feel like we all think that there’s no time for sleep when we have to study and it’s the first thing that gets cut from our everyday schedules. You’re feeding your brain so much information and the only time your brain full processes this info is while you’re sleeping. If you’re lacking sleep during exam period you’re not retaining as much info as you can!
There are a lot of ways to keep healthy during exam season. Ideally, you should practice all of the tips mentioned above to keep healthy during exam season. Making a schedule will help you balance it all and make you feel more confident during this stressful period.
At the end of the day, these grades don’t define you. Your health and wellbeing is the most important thing. Don’t compromise one to get the other. Find a healthy balance.
Are you wondering what to do when you're broke AF at The University of Texas at Austin? When living in…
When finals are over, everyone looks forward to the break that comes after the monstrosities. Winter break is one of…
Ah, college, what a time to be alive. A time to find out who you are, meet your best friends,…
Of course, the more common article college students read is the top 10 reasons someone should attend Berkeley, not drop…
Loyola has a wide variety of people from all different backgrounds. But some people just fit into certain college stereotypes.…
For most of us, college is like a breath of fresh air compared to high school. You're living on your…