Really, it’s time for some crunches.
I know that you have four finals to take, two 15-page research papers to finish by the end of the semester and a group project that is driving you insane (and if you don’t, I’m extremely envious). Put all of these assignments aside and do three things for yourself: eat healthy foods, sleep for at least seven hours and exercise daily.
Doing these will guarantee you some sanity.
This is the time of year when students get sick, their computers crash, their printers run out of ink, and their professors demand them to produce incredibly amazing work. The holidays are also coming up, which means our pockets are starting to look emptier than usual and those crazy family gatherings are all we have to look forward to. Remember, we are students, not superheroes. You can’t handle all this stress without doing a few things for you.
RULE ONE: My number one rule during times of stress is to eat healthy foods. When students are stressed there are two things that can happen: Either they forget to eat, or they mindlessly eat (you know which kind of person you are). Some of us tend to concentrate on our studies and forget that whole eating thing. Therefore, if and when we do eat, we tend to binge on something fast, easy and unhealthy. For the mindless eaters, we munch on food to concentrate. It helps us focus and feel fueled. So what should you do? Packing healthy snacks will keep you away from junk food. Also, taking study breaks to eat your meals will help refresh and refuel your brain so you’re ready to get back to work.
RULE TWO: Another way to limit stress during this time of year is by getting enough sleep. I prefer eight or more hours, but sometimes that just isn’t in the cards. Aim to get at least seven hours of sleep each night. Manage your time effectively so you don’t have to set up camp in Du Bois until sunrise. Pencil sleep into your schedule and avoid caffeinated beverages past 3:00 pm, as they could affect your getting asleep.
RULE THREE: The last thing you absolutely NEED to do is exercise. I’m serious. During crunch-time, do crunches, take ten minutes to step away from your desk and stretch, go for a quick jog or attend a group fitness class if you have the time. Even taking the stairs down from the sixth floor of the library, and back up will give your brain a boost and give you the energy needed to get through your paper. Aside from relieving stress and elevating energy, exercising will help you sleep better, release tension and fight flu and cold.
Academics are important but put your health first for the following two weeks. Do these things for you, and finals will be that much more bearable.