With finals week coming up, it is super important to stay healthy and keep your stress level down. It's easy to stress so much that you get no sleep, eat junk food, and have no confidence. Here are a few things that can help you feel better during these last few weeks of school.
1. Eat whole food healthy snacks throughout the day.
It is super tempting when you’re stressed to munch on unhealthy snacks and things you crave. When we’re studying it’s easy to run to the convenient store and get mac and cheese and a soda, or candy and Cheese-its. Try to keep healthy snacks in your bag during the day like a banana, pack of grapes, a Kind bar, almonds, etc. These foods actually keep your energy up and keep your brain in good condition to keep thinking and studying more. You’ll even feel better, more awake and more attentive.
2. Cut out unnecessary sugar and caffeine.
I notice that when I’m stressed I crave soda, and when I’m tired or up late I have multiple cups of caffeine a day. Try to turn the soda into healthier iced tea, and the high sugar lattés into coffee with little sugar and cream.
3. Go to bed at a reasonable hour, and try to get at least seven or eight hours of sleep.
I know that during finals you stay up until 2 a.m. studying or writing a paper, and then wake up again at 6 a.m. to finish. Trust me — been there, done that. But if you try to go to bed by 11 p.m. - midnight, and even wake up earlier, you can get better and more quality sleep to keep you well rested for your exams.
4. Take breaks for yourself.
There’s no point in sacrificing your mental health just for a grade that probably won’t matter that much in the scheme of your life anyway. If you feel way too overwhelmed, just take a half hour to do something you enjoy, whether that’s taking a nap, watching an episode of your favorite TV show or just brewing a nice cup of coffee or tea to settle your mind.
5. Keep a positive attitude.
Don’t be too hard on yourself or that negativity can affect how you do on your exams. Think positive and know that you tried your hardest, so you will do the best you can. Also understand that even if you didn’t study enough, you gave it as much time as you could, and sometimes we can’t be perfect in every class. Walk into that classroom with confidence that you can do it!
