It feels like the school year just started, but it’s already week four and we are nearly halfway through fall quarter! Unfortunately, week four means midterms, midterms, and more midterms. This is a time of heavy stress and exhaustion, and it can be easy to neglect your own physical and mental well-being, but remember ─ you perform best (and not just academically!) when you are happy and healthy.
Here are a few ways to take care of yourself in the midst of all the midterm craze:
1. Take power naps and mini breaks
Studying for long periods of time can be extremely mentally draining. After a certain point, your brain will be so exhausted that you won’t even be able to process what you are studying anymore! Allow yourself to take mini breaks (for example, a 10-minute break for every hour spent studying) or take power naps (20-30 mins) so that you can revive your energy. These mini breaks will lead to more productivity and more effective learning.
2. Stay hydrated
Drink lots and lots of water! Hydration is essential for your body to feel nourished and energetic, and it gives you more brain power. On top of that, water has several key benefits for you and your body, including weight management, flushing out toxins, and clearing up your skin!
Image source: Pexels
3. Eat healthier
It can be easy to binge on that family-sized bag of Hot Cheetos when you are stressed, but unhealthy foods will leave your body feeling tired and sickly. You definitely won’t be motivated to study feeling gross and unhealthy. Choose healthier meals filled with protein and healthier snacks that provide you with nutritional value such as fruits, veggies, whole grain crackers, and more to give yourself the energy boost that you need to study hard.
4. Exercise
You spend so many hours a day just sitting: during class, at your desk job, and while you are studying. Inactivity causes your body to feel sluggish and fatigued, and it can cause you to become out of shape. Exercising is a great way to stay healthy and one of the best ways to relieve stress as well. If you don’t have the time or the abilities to hit the gym, you can do anything as simple as jogging around the neighborhood or doing Blogilates in your living room!
Image Source: Pexels
5. Sleep early
Staying up until the AM or pulling all-nighters to study are often romanticized and glorified by college students; however, this is extremely harmful to your well-being! Your body and your brain both need sleep to function properly. Studies have proven that people who get more hours of sleep perform better academically, so make sure you treat yourself to a sufficient amount of sleep every single night.