With finals approaching, U of C nutritionists recommend that students study on a Stairmaster, eat foods high in protein and drink plenty of water to cope with hours of studying and the stress of exams.
Walking is key when studying for long periods, said Sarah Remmer, dietitian specialist at the University Health Services. She added that students feel fresher with short breaks.
Reading note cards while walking has also been known to help the memory, said Stefanie Copple, U of C nutritionist/counsellor.
For second year MRC General Education student Brittany Anderson, the gym is the only thing that keeps her sane during the last month of classes and exams.
“If I couldn’t go to the gym during exams I’d probably lose it on a lot more people,” Anderson said. “I love using the punching bag upstairs because I can go nuts when I’m having a bad day, and it’s such an exhilarating feeling. And the best part is I always walk out refreshed.”
The gym can also serve as a great time for students to allow their minds to run rampid, which is something everyone’s mind needs a couple times a day, Copple said. |
“A lot of the time students think they’re wasting valuable study time by going to the gym, when in fact they’re releasing stress and stimulating their brain in another way,” she said.
Food can have a big impact on the productivity of studying. For example, foods high in protein are good for the mental process, while foods high in fat and sugar tend to add to stress levels, Copple said.
Foods such as whole-wheat crackers and cheese, Cheerios with milk, or lunchmeat on crackers are perfect snacks for students studying for exams. Fruits, nuts and beans are also good to eat, Remmer added.
Eating an abundance of foods without protein, such as breads and potatoes, tends to relax people too much, she said. The same effect occurs with overeating.
Caffeine pills can also extend a student’s ability to stay awake, but the time isn’t usually as productive as if they had studied beforehand, Remmer said.
It’s recommended that students get around seven hours of sleep a night, Copple said. But if people feel the need to stay up all night without sleeping, they should try to take small naps to increase their productivity.
See sidebar for tips from Remmer and Copple for getting through exams with a little less stress. |
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