By Samantha TenEyck, Dietetic Intern During stressful academic periods, it can become difficult to maintain your regular eating schedule and easy to fall into the cycle of study, study, study, while forgetting to take the time to care for your body. However, keeping your mind and body well rested and energized at high stress times is crucial to ensuring you are ready to take on finals! After long periods of studying, the brain needs time to rest and retain the information. Allowing yourself to rest is pertinent, as it provides you with additional energy to power through multiple days of studying. Avoid depriving yourself of sleep and aim for 7-9 hours of this natural energy source. Although time is of the essence during finals week, setting aside time to sleep and exercise provides your brain with the things it loves most: blood flow and endorphins! Exercise increases the blood flow to the brain, supplying the brain with more nutrients, all while releasing endorphins enhancing your mood and promoting productivity. Listening to your body and being mindful of how you feel while you study will allow you to understand what you are feeling and how to address it. For example, if you are hungry, thirsty or restless while studying, it may be time to take a quick break to decompress. Incorporating multiple, nutrient-rich food items into your snacks will provide you with energy needed in between meals to keep your brain focused. Although drinking caffeinated beverages are a go-to for many during the week, supplementing your caffeine intake with water consumption is important to ensuring you are adequately hydrated. Nourishing your body using the eating pattern that feels best to your body and works with your lifestyle will allow you to meet your nutrient needs, even during times of high stress. Aim to create a mixed plate consisting of your favorite whole grains, protein and vegetables, which will aid your body in maintaining your energy levels throughout the day and prevent that midday sluggish feeling. Overall, it is important to know that you will study best, when your body is at its best! Treat yourself to time to unwind, recharge and replenish your energy doing the things you love most.
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