By: Ajidara
University exam periods can be stressful, often requiring students to juggle intense study sessions, deadlines, and personal responsibilities. During this time, it's easy or sometimes necessary to sacrifice sleep, nutrition, and overall well-being in the pursuit of academic success. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle while preparing for exams is essential not only for performance but also for long-term well-being.
Manage Stress with Effective Study Techniques
Avoid multitasking: Stick to one course at a time to maintain focus and improve efficiency.
Leverage Your Energy: Focus on the most difficult or time-consuming topics first, and leave lighter subjects for later.
Use active learning: Instead of passively reading, engage with the material by summarizing key points, teaching others, or testing yourself. This improves retention and understanding.
Exams can be overwhelming, but effective study techniques can help reduce stress and improve performance
Prioritize Sleep for Cognitive Function
It’s common for Uites to pull all-nighters during exam season, but this can significantly impair cognitive function and memory. Sleep is crucial for learning and retaining information.
Aim for 6-7 hours of sleep: Sleep plays an essential role in consolidating memory and improving problem-solving abilities. Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule to optimize your brain's performance.
Create a calming bedtime routine: Limit screen time and engage in calming activities such as reading or listening to soothing music before sleep.
Fuel Your Body with Nutritious Foods
A balanced diet is key to maintaining energy and focus throughout exam preparation:
Eat brain-boosting foods: Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like fish, nuts), antioxidants (like leafy greens, 'efo'), and protein (like eggs and lean meats). These foods can enhance memory, focus, and overall brain function.
Avoid excessive sugar and caffeine: While it's tempting to rely on sugary snacks, energy drinks (Fearless) and coffee to stay awake, they can lead to energy crashes and jitters. Opt for healthier alternatives like whole grain snacks, fruits, and herbal teas.
Stay hydrated: Dehydration can affect cognitive abilities, so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Aim for at least 6-8 glasses daily.
Take Regular Breaks to Refresh Your Mind
Take short breaks: Every 45-60 minutes of study, take a 5-10 minute break to refresh your mind. Stand up, stretch, or walk around to increase blood flow and reduce tension.
Engage in physical activity: Physical movement, even if it’s just a short walk or a few stretches, can help clear your mind and improve focus when you return to studying.
Studying for hours on end without breaks can lead to mental fatigue and decreased productivity. Regular breaks are essential for maintaining focus and creativity
Practice self-compassion: If you have a difficult study session or don’t feel prepared for an exam, be kind to yourself. Stress and anxiety can impair your performance, so maintaining a positive attitude will help you perform at your best.
Visualize success: Take a moment to imagine yourself completing the exam confidently. Positive visualization can help reduce anxiety and improve performance.
While preparing for exams, it's crucial to balance academic effort with self-care. Prioritize sleep, nutrition, regular breaks, and exercise to keep both your mind and body in peak condition. Remember that staying healthy during this time will not only improve your exam performance but also your long-term well-being. By managing stress, taking care of yourself, and maintaining a positive attitude, you’ll be better equipped to tackle exams and come out on top.
