Be Smart - Eat Smart

Final exam time is here again, and it’s easy to put aside good nutrition and healthy habits while you’re busy with other things.  But factoring in a few easy tips can help you stay focused and successful during exam week: 

1.      Eat breakfast.  It will give you energy to start your day, and help you concentrate better.  A healthy breakfast is even better, as it’s a good way to get more nutrients in – whole grain oatmeal, veggie omelet, fresh fruit – all are good ways to start the day.

2.      Eat healthy snacks to keep your energy level up – grab a raw fruit or veggie, low fat yogurt, a handful of nuts, small veggie salad.

3.      Exercise.  It will lift your mood and take your mind off the stress, even if it’s just for a few minutes at a time.

4.      Get enough sleep! 

5.      Stay hydrated.  Dehydration can make you feel more fatigued and feeling mentally foggy.  Caffeine is going to feel like your best friend right now, but make sure you are getting enough water, too.  Caffeine is a diuretic (makes you need to urinate more), so be sure to replenish the fluid lost.

6.      Find ways to cope with stress.  Take a walk, listen to some good music, hang out with friends.  Take some time to recharge before diving back into the studying.

Some things you may want to try avoiding:  too much caffeine (in addition to being a diuretic, it can also leave you feeling jittery and anxious), high fat and sugar foods, and overeating at meals, which can leave you feeling sluggish and sleepy.