Health & Wellness During Exams

 


April is a busy month filled with final exams and projects as the semester comes to an end. With schedules getting busier, it can get challenging to prioritize personal health and wellness.

Here are five tips from the dining services dietitian to keep healthy during this busy season:

  1. Snacks
    • Snacks can help keep your blood sugar levels stable and give you consistent energy to power through the long study sessions.
    • Carbohydrates are your brain’s preferred source of energy. Combining carbohydrates with protein and fibre can give you longer lasting energy.
    • TRY: nut butter with toast or yogurt with fruit.

  2.   Caffeine
    • Caffeine can provide a boost of energy; however, it is important to limit your intake, so you are not left feeling jittery or nervous and unable to sleep.
    • TRY: combine coffee with half decaf to help reduce your caffeine intake.

  3. Water
    • We need 6-8 cups of water daily. Dehydration can lead to headaches and make it difficult to focus.
    • TRY: infused water with fresh fruit or unsweetened tea to help increase your fluid intake with some flavour.

  4. Sleep
    • Sleep plays an important role in focus, alertness, as well as immunity! We need 7-9 hours of sleep each night to stay focused and energized for the next day.
    • TRY: schedule a nap in between study sessions if you find it challenging to fit 7-9 hours of sleep at night.

  5. Activity
    • Physical activity can help improve brain health and reduce short-term feelings of anxiety.
    • TRY: go for a short walk as a study break or follow a guided activity video from YouTube from the comfort of your room.

There is no doubt that April is a busy time but keeping your health and wellness a priority during this period will help you move towards more positive results!  


Resources

Benefits of Physical Activity. CDC. (June 2022). Retrieved April 13, 2023 from https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm#:~:text=Being%20physically%20active%20can%20improve,activity%20gain%20some%20health%20benefits.

What to eat before an exam. BBC Good Food. (March 2023). Retrieved April 13, 2023 from https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/eating-exams


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