When you're studying, exams always come quicker than you expect them to. It's difficult not to get lost in a studying rut, and it can often seem like you're getting nowhere, no matter how hard you work. There are a few things that you can do to make sure you're ready when exam season finally comes around; prioritising your nutrition and your sleep, asking for help when you need it, and making sure to keep a good schedule so that you know what you need to study and when. Getting some support with your homework can also make you feel more confident when you finally sit your exams. If you want some homework help for working on geometry, check out this great essay-writing app.

The next best thing you can do to assist your studies is to pay attention to your nutrition. We've all been there. Reaching for yet another cookie from the packet on the desk because you haven't got the time to get up and make a meal as well as finishing your assignment (which is due in an hour).

Our food habits are integral to our day-to-day functioning, and the choices we make regarding food during high-stress times such as exams are essential in ensuring that we stay healthy, productive, and (most importantly) sane when times get tough.

Whatever you're studying for, be it math, English, science, or anything else, to be at the top of your game, you need to focus on your nutrition. Here are a few simple snack and meal choices that will help you to achieve your academic potential:

1. Nuts

Nuts, in particular walnuts, have been proven time and time again to have a noticeably positive effect on brain health and cognitive function. Nuts such as peanuts, almonds, walnuts, and cashews can help to regulate sleep patterns, reduce inflammation in the brain and body, and increase our ability to retain information (which is pretty important during exam time). If you are allergic to nuts, seeds are also a great option for brain health as they are a source of fats such as omega 3 and omega 6 which help with decreasing inflammation of the brain cells.

You can increase your intake of nuts and seeds by including nut or seed butter on your oatmeal in the morning, or by adding them to your smoothies. You could also sprinkle seeds over a quick salad or soup to boost your meal with nutrients, or even add peanuts or cashews to a stir fry.

1. Fruits and vegetables

We all know how beneficial it is for both our bodies and minds to eat a good amount of fruits and vegetables every day. Fruits are a powerhouse of vitamins, fibre, water, and carbohydrates, all of which contribute to good digestion and overall health. Veggies such as kale and spinach (dark leafy greens) are amazing sources of folate, vitamin K, beta carotene, and vitamin E, nutrients that can help to slow the rate at which our brains age.

Any fruits or vegetables that you enjoy will be perfect additions to your diet to aid your studying, but here are some ideas that you can use to easily incorporate more of these nutrient-dense foods into your diet:

●Have one or two servings of fruit with breakfast; you could chop up a banana and sprinkle some berries into your cereal or oatmeal, or have an apple and some grapes on the side of your toast. You could even throw some fresh or frozen spinach (or kale) into your breakfast beans to up the vitamins and minerals on your beans on toast.

●Have a side salad with your meals; if you can be bothered to prepare and cook vegetables to go with the takeaway pizza you just ordered, you can just empty half a bag of pre-prepared salad onto your plate and pour over a little olive oil, vinegar, and salt for a fresh side dish to go alongside your meal.

●Bulk-cook vegetables: If you have time during your week, why not roast a tray of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, swede, turnips, onions, broccoli, and beetroot with a tablespoon or two of olive oil and some salt. You can add these vegetables to different meals you have throughout the week, and even whizz up the leftovers into a delicious soup that you can freeze in separate serving sizes, ready for whenever you need it.

●Add fruit to your desserts: We all love cookies, ice cream, cake, and pies, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with having a small serving of these treats a few times a week. But to boost the satiety factor of these high-fat and high-sugar meals, why not add in some fibre and vitamins in the form of some chopped berries, applesauce, banana, or grapes? The addition of fruit will not only be beneficial to your digestion, but it will also help to stop you mindlessly grabbing more sweet things because fruits can help to regulate appetite.

1. Protein

No, protein isn't just for gym-goers. Protein (specifically amino acids) can be incredibly beneficial in aiding brain function. Our central nervous systems (CNS), which are used by our bodies to process information and control our responses to our external and internal environments, need a good amount of protein to function optimally. Low protein intake has been associated with depression, bad cognitive function, and impaired sleep.

There are many ways that we can up the protein in our diets, but it is worth noting that relying too much on processed/non processed meat and fish can also harm the body. Excessive consumption of these products (for example eating upwards of 200 grams of meat daily) can lead to type 2 diabetes, cancers, and psychological distress. However, there are positive effects to be gleaned from including sparing amounts of meat and fish in our diets; fattier fish, such as tuna and salmon, are good sources of omega-3s (an acid that aids brain functioning ) and can help with decreasing the risk of Alzheimer's. Eating grass-fed (and organic, if possible) meat can help with mood regulation and good brain and body health thanks to meat being rich in vitamin D, zinc, and iron.

To avoid consuming too much meat, why not swap out most of your animal protein options with plant-based alternatives:

●Tofu, which can be added to stir-fries and scrambles, is an iron and calcium-rich protein with no cholesterol. Try frying tofu in olive oil and salt and add to sandwiches.

●Pulses, such as lentils and beans, provide a source of iron, protein, and carbohydrates. Why not make a big pot of tasty chilli with black beans, chickpeas, and haricot beans that will carry you through your long evenings of revision?

●Vegan meats: if you want to opt for a vegan meat substitute, try picking a low-fat option that isn't battered or breaded, and use it like you would a regular animal-based protein. Vegan alternatives can be a great choice if you want the taste and texture of meat without cholesterol and saturated fat.

It can be difficult to prioritise your health when your schedule is full of lectures and seminars, and the rest of your time is spent studying (and socialising!). But focusing on eating whole foods and avoiding takeaways and processed goods as much as possible will lead to you having a clearer and more productive brain and a healthier body. You can do this!

1. Bonus Video: Eating Healthily as A Student

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