It’s that time of the semester again. Yes, I’m talking about the dreaded finals. You’ve been studying, taking pilgrimages to the library and getting regular shots of caffeine, but remember to maintain your sanity through it all so that you can truly succeed this semester.
Food
These foods will help you relax and unwind, making energizing study break snack.
- Tea –Drinking hot teas such as green, black or jasmine will make you feel refreshed and energized. These hot beverages will also help soothe your nerves while giving you a healthy caffeine kick.
- Berries – Berries are loaded with vitamin C that helps to lower cholesterol and cortisol. Try snacking on berries instead of that bag of chips, or add it to your salad or yogurt for an energizing boost.
- Walnuts – A Recent study from the National Institute of Health claims that the omega-3 fatty acids in walnuts keeps stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline in check. So snacking on walnuts will de-stress your body before heading into a high-pressure zone.
Exercise
Exercising is a major stress reliever. Aerobic exercises are especially beneficial not just to your body and metabolism but also to your mood. It counters depression and dissipates stress. Whenever you feel overwhelmed with school work try taking a break to exercise through a run or walk outside, or whatever form of work-out you enjoy the most. Exercising outside is the best choice because it also gives your eyes a rest. After being glued to your laptop it’s important to give your eyes a break by looking at something in a far off distance such as the sky or trees outside. The fresh air can also make you more alert. Exercising outside will help bring you out of a stressful environment and give you a much needed burst of energy to continue studying later.
Breathing Techniques
Try taking slow and deep breaths, from your stomach rather than your lungs or chest. Closing your eyes and slowly inhaling and exhaling at least three to five times can act as a much needed mental escape and mini restart to your study session.
Spa Break
Taking a break to pamper yourself can help you feel rejuvenated and at peace. For a list of easy to make masks and scrubs visit this previous article.
Sleep
Above all don’t forget to get enough sleep throughout all of your study schedules and exams. Don’t deprive your immune system of what it needs the most. Try to plan ahead to avoid crisis later by sacrificing much needed rest for our bodies and minds.
Even though finals season can be hectic and tiring, taking care of your mental and physical health will not only help you feel stronger but also do better in your exams. Good luck to everyone as we face finals week around the corner!