It’s that infamous time: midterm week.
We don’t look forward to it, but it comes quick, so we grit our teeth and endure. We stay up all night, we cram, we spend hours and hours at the library, we pray, we chug coffee, espresso, and RedBull, and sometimes, the stress is so much, we cry.
But perk up, love. Here are five easy things you can do to improve your grades and reduce the midterm struggle.
1. Moderate Your Caffeine Intake
I know, I know: caffeine appears as your best study buddy. But if you don’t usually drink caffinated beverages, don’t start drinking them during test week. Caffiene intake can lead to an increase in cortisol, the “stress horomone.” People who are already undergoing mental stress will have an influx of cortisol released, leading to insomnia. Keep your ritual cup of joe down to one or two cups a day. If you’re a regular coffee drinker, be wary of cutting down your intake by a lot, because this may lead to migraines. But keep in mind that caffeine is also linked to worsening depression and anxiety. If you’re so tired that you can’t focus, go to bed, not to Starbucks.
2. Eat Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate has a high source of polyphenol, a natural plant chemical. Polyphenols have antioxidants like epicatechin and catechin, that help to prevent you from getting sick during test week. Stress decreases your immunity, so antioxidants are great! Dark chocolate is also delicious, and delicious things make people happy.
3. Gentle Streches
Gentle streching, especially in the morning, will get blood pumping to your brain. Touch your toes and hang there. Keep your head down and imagine all the aches and pains of midterms rolling down your spine and onto the floor, into a pile of Namaste.
4. Eat a Protein Rich Breakfast
Protein is essential for having enough energy to get through the day. Protein has the amino-acid trytophan, a biochemical that promotes serotonin production. Serotonin is the neaurotransmitter that makes you happy! Eventually, serotonin is converted into melotonin, “the sleepy horomone,” that secures a good nights rest before that big test. I suggest eggs and bacon for breakfast, or greek yogurt with granola.
5. Don’t Saturate Your Studies
Instead of locking yourself up in an empty corner of the library to spend hours on one subject, take breaks. Taking breaks, or switching between subjects to study, makes it easier to retain information because the material will seem more fresh. Your brain is more likely to memorize material learned at the beginning and end of a span of studying, than what you studied in the middle of a three hour cram.
Good luck!