How Students Can Keep Their Energy Levels Up for Exams
By Steve Gallagher - Monday, 22nd of April 2019
With all the stress of exam preparation, it’s easy to feel low on energy. The problem is that this lack of energy can have an impact on your academic performance. To help you overcome this challenge, here are 5 things you can do to keep your energy levels up for exams.1. Eat Breakfast
A lot of students sacrifice breakfast so that they can stay in bed a little longer, but on exam week it’s important not to do this. Breakfast has a huge influence on your energy levels for the rest of the day, so make sure you don’t skip it.
Aim to eat a healthy, balanced breakfast. Don’t eat anything too heavy and greasy, like a full English breakfast, as it can leave you feeling sluggish. Opt for something like oats and fruit or cereal.
2. Cut the Coffee
You might feel that you need a cup of coffee to wake up in the morning, but it can actually have the reverse effect. While it’s true that coffee does give an immediate, short-term energy boost, the effect wears off quickly. When it does wear off, it can leave you feeling worse than before.
Plus, all that caffeine can leave you feeling restless, jittery, and distracted, which can have other detrimental effects on your exam performance. Limit the cups of coffee to no more than twice per day, or even better, cut it out completely and replace it with tea.
3. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is also very important to keeping your energy levels up. When your body gets dehydrated, it stops functioning optimally. This can leave you feeling lethargic and worn out. Drink plenty of water and consider taking a bottle with you into your exams.
4. Take Frequent Study Breaks
You wouldn’t run 10 miles the day before a marathon to train, right? Well, the same holds true for academic exams. Studying is important, but studying too many intense periods without breaks, for too long before an exam isn’t. It can leave you feeling mentally drained and unable to focus.
Try to take frequent study breaks to give your mind a chance to relax and for the knowledge you’ve learnt to settle in.
5. Natural Supplements Could Help
If none of the above are helping you to concentrate, there may be other natural supplements that can aid concentration. For example, some studies have shown Omega-3 fish oil to have a positive effect on brain function and concentration. There are lots of other natural herbs that are good for energy and vitality too.