Roughly a month into the new semester, midterms begin to bombard students’ lives. Sleeping (maybe), eating (hopefully) and studying (duh) is all we seem to do. Overwhelming is just one word that begins to describe midterms.
Stress can definitely seep into more than just one portion of your life. It can affect your diet, sleep and other self-care habits. Try these tips in an attempt to be healthier during the challenging midterm season.
Don’t forget about extracurriculars.
Academics should be one of the first priorities in a student’s life. However, just because academics are important, doesn’t mean that extracurriculars aren’t important too. Most students have clubs, sports, hobbies or other things that occupy their free time. Set aside thirty minutes to do those things you enjoy.
Set a bedtime.
Most students have a trouble keeping a healthy sleeping schedule among 8 a.m.’s, Netflix and homework. Whether it’s staying up late because of studying or because you missed your favorite show, the amount of sleep you get each night often decreases during midterms. If you set an alarm for the time you want to go to bed, it can be remindful of the importance of sleep — and how late you are up already.
Have healthy snacks on hand.
When we are studying or bored in our dorm or apartment, snacking happens. Preparing yourself for this helps when trying to eat healthier. Rid yourself of the potato chips, ice cream and extra butter popcorn. Try to buy more health-conscious snacks like fruits, veggies, nuts, cheese and yogurt. There are many variations of these that are delicious and healthy for you.
Use caffeine sparingly.
Coffee, tea and energy drinks are something that many students rely on during their normal day. During midterms, consumption can go up exponentially. We need to be conscious of how much caffeine we are consuming. A cup of coffee or two in the morning is more than enough to get you through a long day of prepping for that chemistry exam or the speech in your communications class.
Set aside time for yourself.
Making time for yourself during stressful periods like midterms is extremely important. Self-care is something that shouldn’t ever be put to the wayside. Our health is never less important than one exam, presentation or paper. So take an extra long shower, watch a TV show, do some reading, paint your nails or Skype a good friend or family.
The most important thing to remember is that you can do it! Despite the long nights and incessant studying, there is an end to midterms. Power through it, study your butt off and get that grade you deserve!
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