Reading week may be right around the corner, but before a week of relaxation and catching up on work, everyone has to get through the dreaded midterm season. Throughout this difficult time, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to increase your chances of success. In this article, I’m going to share some tips and strategies that are extremely beneficial in helping to maintain optimal physical and mental health as you trudge through the snowbank that is your last few midterms before reading week.
1. Eat properly and stay hydrated
While it is always necessary to eat well and hydrate, it is absolutely essential during times of high stress, like midterms. Nutrients found in wholesome, healthy foods, as well as an adequate fluid intake (coffee doesn’t count in this case, sorry!), can help fight off the infections and viruses that seem to plague everyone during the winter months. They also give you the energy you need to study and write your midterms effectively. Try to aim for three balanced meals a day, consuming foods from each of the four food groups. It is also recommended that women take in 2.7 litres of fluids per day. This can be done by drinking water, consuming other beverages such as teas and juices, and eating foods that have a high water content.
2. Get enough sleep!
This is one of the best things that you can do to keep yourself healthy at any time but is especially important during midterm season. 6-10 hours per night are recommended, but this can vary depending on your individual needs. Getting adequate sleep not only benefits your physical health but also your mental health by helping you to feel refreshed and ready to take on a new day. It will also help you control your stress and feel better prepared for your exams. I’ve found that a good night’s sleep results in an increased capacity for me to deal with anything I may be feeling, and helps me better retain the material I’ve studied.
3. Manage your time
Managing your time wisely can have an incredibly positive impact during midterm season. Not only can it help you to deal with your stress more effectively, but it can also ensure that you get everything done and still have time to get a good night’s sleep. Some people are just naturally very good at managing their time, but it can be a little bit harder for those who tend to procrastinate (oops, guilty!) or get easily overwhelmed with the amount of work they may have to accomplish in a week. I’m in the midst of a crazy week of midterms myself, and one of the best decisions I’ve ever made was to make a list of everything I needed to accomplish and allocate specific amounts of time for everything each day. I have been able to get everything on my list done (sometimes even a bit more), and been able to get myself to bed much earlier than usual! Also, make sure that you give yourself time to do things you like other than studying, such as your favourite hobby, physical activity (endorphins are great for stress management!), hanging out with friends, or something as simple as watching an episode of your favourite show on Netflix!
These three tips have really helped me maintain optimal levels of health, especially during midterm season. I hope that you are able to have the same success. The end of midterms and the beginning of reading week are in sight, good luck!