Your semester is winding down and winter break is just around the corner, but before you can enjoy a few weeks of vacation, you have to get through the final stretch of exams and papers. Here are five tips from our Health & Wellness Department to keep you focused and healthy during the most stressful part of the school year:
Organize.
Organize your study space and create an exam schedule so you know when to focus on what. Prioritize immediate deadlines, but make sure to budget time for projects that still seem far away. Studying weeks in advance significantly helps improve retention and comprehension.
Eat healthy.
Did you know foods rich in Vitamin-C can reduce blood pressure and lower cortisol? Or that the complex carbs in oatmeal help you destress and keep your energy up for longer periods of time? This year ditch the junk food to keep your body and brain functioning throughout the end of the semester. Check out this list of brain foods for inspiration.
Drink plenty of water.
Our bodies are over 60% water, and dehydration has a significant impact on performance. Lack of focus, increased fatigue or “brain fog,” sleep issues, and headaches can all be linked with dehydration. Make sure to have a water bottle handy so you stay hydrated during this exam season. Read this article to figure out how much water you should drink.
Study Smarter.
Review your material from the past semester – tests, quizzes, etc. – to prepare for what might be asked on the final exam. “Self test” by studying with flashcards or answering questions at the end of your textbook’s chapter.
Take breaks.
This article recommends taking a study break every 50-90 minutes. This one recommends 52 minutes exactly. Whatever you decide, make sure to incorporate a couple 15-20-minute breaks into your exam prep so you stay refreshed.
We hope this exam season is a huge success for you! Share your accomplishments in the classroom with us at the end of the semester. #GoFar