How To Stay In Shape During Exams
It’s that time of year again… the much dreaded and anxiety-inducing exam season has arrived once again. For many high school and post-secondary students this semester, preparing for final examinations comes with its own load of academic as well as everyday challenges.
Let’s dive into 5 strategies to have in your routine so you can stay in optimum shape for exams!
Feed your brain
“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” Virginia Woolf, a talented writer and I suspect renowned foodie of the literary world, knew the importance of a healthy diet. Not only is studying while hungry a hindrance to performance, but eating well can provide an additional energy boost to your brain. Choose nutritional foods that are rich in protein, whole grains and healthy fats, such as fish, fruits and nuts. Studies also show benefits in having a complete breakfast, especially on the morning before you write your paper.
Sleep on it
Although this one seems obvious to us all, it is the first thing we forego. Sufficient sleep plays a huge role in improving cognitive skills and memory retention. A poor night’s sleep and the following daytime drowsiness affect both your physical and cognitive health, making it hard to study (and live). Everyone gets to have 7–8 hours of blissful shut-eye a day and you might have had that same dream if you slept more. If you can’t take the nights off, you can still reap the benefits of a short nap in the day. Whether it’s the infamous 10–20 minute NASA nap, or a [90 minute] snooze to make up for lost rest, naps do brilliantly to reduce stress, improve mood and recharge you for more studying ahead.
Escape the desk (once in a while)
With the rise of online classes, it comes as no surprise that we’ve been condemned to hover over our laptops for many hours of our days. Still, physical activity is something we should allow time for everyday so that we can exercise muscles rather than our brains. Aerobic activity such as running increases blood flow to the brain while strength training, like lifting weights, can even increase neuron growth factors. Even just getting up and stretching helps to clear brain fog and mental stress.
Curb your caffeine addiction
Caffeine has been shown to have a few positive effects such as improved concentration and alertness over certain time periods. However, over-consumption comes with its own [drawbacks]that can make studying difficult; anxiety, digestive issues and difficulty sleeping. Limit yourself to 400 mg of caffeine a day (about 4 cups of coffee) and be aware that its effects can last in the body for 10–15 hours after consumption.
That being said, staying hydrated is crucial to maintaining a good state of study. Opt for water, juice and milk to keep your body and brain in tip-top condition.
Plan a post-exam reward
At times, we might all feel like pack-mules laboring under the burden of education — and even mules need a carrot to chase in times of hardship. Synthesize your own carrot; plan something fun for when exams are done. Binge that show (as if you didn’t whilst procrastinating), hang out with friends, go outside and touch some grass. It can be anything so long as it is something you actually want to do. It will make studying just that much easier and give you a near-future to look forward to.
About the author: April Sui is a first-year student in Medical Sciences at Western University in London Ontario. She’s currently working for Hashtag Health Podcast and is excited to be onboard with OYMS. Bookworm, origami fanatic and French tutor, you can find her on Instagram @_april.showers or on Facebook.
