Here we are only a few weeks from summer. But, before we get to the summer break, we have to survive all the final papers, presentations, and exams. As Hopkins students, we are notorious for taking preparing finals to the next level, so it’s important that we make sure to do a few simple things to keep our minds and bodies healthy in order to do our best!
Here are 5 things you can do stay healthy during finals season:
1. Sleep
For some of us, pulling an all-nighter here and there has become a part of college life. Sometimes there just isn’t enough hours in the day, so it’s necessary to use up some of those night time hours as well. This is especially true when it comes to finals. We all know that lack of sleep is common (all the time really) especially during that last week or so of the semester. What you might not know is that not sleeping can be detrimental to your immune system, and to your brain. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body does not have time to recuperate. This is especially important for your brain because when your brain attempts to work at full capacity for hours on end, it’s eventually going to slow down and make it harder to study. Try to get at least 7 hours of sleep every night – your body needs it!
2. Eat Properly
My first tip is to not eat when you are studying. This will force you to take a break from your work, and might prevent you from snacking on those potato chips or mozzarella sticks from Uni Mini. Foods that are high in fat and grease content can make you feel sluggish. Try to eat “brain foods,” like green vegetables, fruits, fish, and eggs. Foods like these will keep you going strong all the way into your final exams! I know that saying, “stay away from caffeine,” is almost taboo. It’s alright to have a coffee or tea every now and then, just remember it is not a staple source of nutrition and after a certain point your body will get used to it and stop reacting to it. Finally, water, water, water, water, water – make sure to drink at least 3-5 glasses a day to keep your body hydrated in order to ensure maximum concentration!
3. Take Breaks
Of course we are all concerned with attempting to score above the class average on our finals, because that could be a difference between an A and a B. Whether your final is 20% or 60% of your total grade, it’s important that we treat them all the same. Just because your final is 40 or more percent of your grade, doesn’t mean you need to go non-stop like the Energizer Bunny! Taking a breather is essential if you want to be able to use your studying time most efficiently. It’s important for all of us to relax and take a few minutes every now and then to de-stress. Researchers have found that, “ultradian rhythms allow the human brain to focus for approximately two hours at a time before dipping to a period of low energy.” This means that in order to go back to that focus point, we need to relax – even if it’s just for 5 or 10 minutes. Good ways to relax include: stretching, hitting the gym, soaking up some Netflix, reading, and maybe grabbing a bite to eat with some friends. After all of the time you put into studying, you deserve a break!
4. Organize
Staying organized is a great way to keep your stress level down during finals. If you create a study schedule and a priority list, you’re already setting yourself up for success! Make sure to include relaxation time in this schedule; it’s easy to work all day and forget to take a break. It’s important to stick to your schedule, especially since you took the time to make it! When it comes time to study, try to separate yourself from any distractions. As much as you love studying with your friends, sometimes it’s better to head to the library by yourself in order to spend almost all of your time studying instead of occasionally getting off track.
5. Keep Clean, Inside and Out
We don’t have to admit it, but we all might be a little guilty of skipping a few more showers during those hardcore study days during reading period. However, now more than ever it is important that we keep clean in order to kill any germs we may have picked up in the library or any other study area. It’s common to catch a cold or other sickness when you’re in close proximity with a large amount of people. If you’re like me, you prefer to study in your room. Don’t let those dishes pile up, and take some time every now and to straighten up. It’s most likely easier to focus in a clean environment! Keeping healthy on the inside is just as important. I know there aren’t a lot of parties during finals season, but if you happen to attend one, try to limit if not avoid alcohol consumption. Eating right, avoiding alcohol, and staying hydrated are only part of it. It’s something that happens that’s not really talked about, but taking any type of medication that is not prescribed to you by a licensed physician is illegal. Taking any sort of stimulant to stay awake or to focus is unethical and is hazardous to your health because they can lead to hypertension, irregular heartbeat, addiction, depression, and even death. If you’re ever approached by someone with these type of drugs, you should report them anonymously to campus security right away. Follow these tips and you’ll have all the energy you need!
Good luck with exams!
Sources:
http://www.equaljusticeworks.org/news/blog/finals
http://betterbusiness.torkusa.com/six-tips-to-stay-healthy-during-final-exams/
http://be.georgetown.edu/257389.html
http://thestatetimes.com/2012/12/06/keeping-healthy-habits-during-finals-week/
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http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/agree-terms.php?id=10089365
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