The holidays can be a tough time to lose weight. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, a lot of stress and a lot of food can lead to a breakdown in anybody’s fitness routine. College students may find it especially hard to find the time and energy to stay fit as their attention is turned to finals. But a little effort can go a long way, and a few simple changes in a student’s study routine will lead to a healthy body and a brighter mind ready to tackle the toughest tests.
Diet is one of the most important elements of a healthy lifestyle, and the easiest to fit around a finals schedule. While it’s tempting to order out for pizza on a late night of studying, a body won’t perform well on all that grease and fat. On the other hand, some students may find that they sometimes miss meals entirely when cramming for an important exam. Both problems can be solved by having healthy snacks ready in advance that can be enjoyed while studying.
The ideal study snack is low on fat with a moderate amount of protein and carbohydrates, just the kind of clean-burning fuel your body needs to concentrate and perform to the best of its ability. A bag of baby carrots or candy-free trail mix is a good choice. When you find the time for a more substantial meal, try a baked potato and graham crackers washed down with a glass of skim milk and frozen yogurt for dessert. Simple foods like these eaten regularly will keep your mind alert, and the simple preparation won’t interrupt your study sessions.
But make sure you do interrupt those study sessions once in awhile, for a little exercise! At the very least, be sure to stretch every hour to stay alert and keep your blood circulating. A student may find that long jogs or gym visits take too much time with finals looming, but don’t neglect healthy exercise entirely. Even a short walk around the block will have a lot of benefits for a student under the pressure of exams.
Finally, relax! No matter how important the exam and how much cramming is still to go, finding time to get a healthy eight hours of sleep is vital. If your concentration is waning, a power nap can find you refreshed and ready to retain more. Close the books and spend some time with your friends, they’ll need to unwind as badly as you. Even when it comes to studying, moderation is wise.
So, when pushing your mind to its limits, don’t forget your body. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle in busy times can seem difficult, but sticking to a fitness routine year-round is the best way to secure a flawless 4.0 without the freshman fifteen.