Exams bring on a lot of stress and for many of us, health takes a backseat. It is important in times of stress to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but it might not be that easy. Between gathering your notes and studying, you might not have sufficient to work on your physical and mental health. Here are some tips to help you during times of stress.
Drink enough water
This is probably the most overused tip, but it is one of the most important ones. There is no getting away from drinking enough water to help your body run efficiently. When you are working on that study abroad scholarship essay, you want to make sure you have some water next to you at all times. Make sure your urine runs clear, as this is a clear indication that you are properly hydrated. When you are dehydrated, not only does your body suffer, but also your mind. When you are busy with exams, you need your brain in tip top shape.
Do not cram
If you want to overwhelm your mind, you should totally cram the night before an exam. Many of us do not learn this lesson in time, but it is always worth learning. Give yourself enough of a head start to do well in your exams. Just because you have 10 hours before an exam, does not mean that you are going to remain focused and alert the entire time. In fact, you might only be able to focus for half of that time. Reading and reading over the same sentence is a good indication that your brain is overloaded. Instead, give yourself more time during the semester to help with your stress levels.
Get enough sleep
It might be a tough one for many students, but sleep is just as important as studying through the night. Sleep might seem like a novelty during exams, but do not underestimate the power of a good night’s rest. You might not get in your full 8 hours of sleep the week of an exam, but you should at least aim for 6. Imagine nodding off in the exam room. It does take a lot for your mind to switch off when adrenaline is pumping, but it is absolutely crucial that you get that sleep in.
Snack wisely
Having a great snack on hand when you are studying is important. You do not want to get up 10 times to look at the same fridge with nothing inside. Get some healthy snacks before you sit down to study. You want to include brain foods when you are having long study sessions. This will help you stay alert and take in as much information as possible. Think about doing that statement of purpose for study abroad while snacking on some delicious strawberries. Now does that not make the whole process a bit better?
Workout
Who has time for a full blown workout during exam times? Probably not a lot of people, but the benefits are worth much more than an hour away from your books. Your energy levels will be up and your mental clarity might be startling. There is no time wasted on working out. If you cannot fit an hour of exercise into your day, just take a 30 minute walk around the neighbourhood. The fresh air would do you goo and you will be ready to tackle your studies in no time.
Take regular breaks
It is important to make sure that your breaks do not involve any brainwork. You want to use this time to sip on a cup of tea of just vegging out. Do as little as possible, but get away from that desk. It may seem counterproductive, but it is the best you can do for yourself during stressful exam times. While you might feel like your breaks are a waste of time, you are giving your brain some time to process when you have just spent hours studying. Your study abroad cover letter can wait until after your break.
Conclusion
Taking care of your mental and physical health is crucial in exam times. This is why you should not your exams overwhelm you to the point where you sacrifice everything else in your life. If you prepare ahead of the time, you will find that it is easier to ease the stress. Leaving everything for the last minute is what really causes the stress. Be prepared for a lot of studying, but keep your other goals intact. Eating healthy and working out does not have to take up an entire day. We need to stop making excuses as to why we cannot be healthy. Without a healthy body and a healthy mind, it might be a fruitless exercise to even expect good results.