Finals week; it’s the oh-so-glorious time of the year that us collegiettes love to hate. The end is so close and yet, so far away. From drowning in notes and endless stacks of flashcards, procrastination reaches an all time high. With little motivation to even get to the library- thinking about exercise and eating right seem to fall at the bottom of our list.
Yet, lack of sleep combined with anxiety and stress often causes collegiettes to sacrifice their healthy habits during this week of never ending studying. What we often forget is that when it comes to memorizing terms and definitions while attempting to be able to recall a semester’s worth of information, staying energized is essential. To make the most of your cram sessions, incorporate these brains food to help you succeed on your finals.
Carbs. Yes… you heard me right, good carbs (in moderation) have actually been proven to increase memory. Before you take this information and run with it, i.e. to the nearest pizza and pasta buffet or start shoving bagels in your mouth while using the excuse that you are improving your brain function- keep reading!
According to livescience, “Carbs in lower glycemic foods are broken down into glucose molecules more slowly, thereby providing a steadier supply of energy to the brain.” Basically, these lower glycemic foods are represented in fiber-filled whole grains such as whole-wheat bread and oatmeal. Whether it’s a late night study session or the morning before the exam, swap out your typical white bread for a whole-wheat roll or toast and add peanut butter or avocado. For the oatmeal, top it off with fresh fruit and sprinkle some cinnamon for optimal results!
Speaking of fruit, Antioxidant- Rich Berries are a great brain food. According to webmd, “The antioxidants in fruits protect the brain from oxidants that damage delicate cell membranes and brain cells, where maintaining a high antioxidant level is important for cognition and memory.”
More simply, the darker the berry the higher its concentration of antioxidants is. Opt for blackberries and blueberries when possible to snack on instead of grabbing a bag of chips. Combine this brain food with good carbs above like oatmeal or whole grain cereal or blend them together to make a delicious smoothie.
Not a fan of the fruit as a quick pick me up during a study break? Instead, try Nuts. According to Livestrong “Many nuts and seeds are good sources of protein, minerals, vitamin E, omega-6 fatty acids and some essential amino acids. For example, vitamin B-6 is needed to produce dopamine and serotonin, which are both essential for communication between neurons in the brain. Folic acid is needed by the brain to maintain memory and concentration. Vitamin B-12 is also associated with higher brain functions found in nuts.”
Just like carbs, nuts should also be eaten in moderation. As a beneficial and satisfying snack, they can be easily transported to and from your study sessions and exams. Choose nuts such as walnuts, almonds, cashews and hazelnuts for the greatest results. Eat them alone or as a spread on whole wheat bread and you’re prepared to succeed on your exams.
So collegiettes, study hard and succeed on your exams, but don’t forget to take care of yourself both mentally and physically at the same time. In case you can’t spare an hour to get outside or to the gym, try to incorporate these brain foods at any meal you can to stay energized and focused!