Finals. When we hear that word we all think of the sleep deprivation, binging on unhealthy food or not eating at all and the anxiety of whether or not we will pass. It is easy during finals season to forget about our well being by doing all these things, and don’t feel guilty because I know I am guilty of doing these things too. However, I have learned some helpful tips that help me remain confident in my studies all while maintaining a healthy well being

First there are many ways to get energy into your body without having to drink those high energy drinks or sugary snacks. For one you could take a 30 minutes study break to go for a run or go to the gym. Think I’m talking mumbo jumbo? Well “Dr. John Ratey, author of “Spark – The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain” says that “exercise improves your brain in the short term by raising your focus for two to three hours afterwards. If you have a presentation or speaking engagement try to work out beforehand; you’ll be at your peak when you have to perform” Thus after a quick 30 minute workout you will be ready to focus even longer on your studies but also with a fresh pair of eyes. Try this tip and you could be like this…

Then you have the junk food cravings or the not eating at all. If you are craving sweets, an alternative is dark chocolate.”Dark chocolate energizes by providing an excellent source of iron and magnesium. Make sure it’s at least 70 per cent dark chocolate” and your good to go, I mean that shouldn’t be bad, the more chocolate the better! If you don’t like sweets another food people take for granted are eggs. Eggs are high in iron and protein to give you sustainable energy throughout the day. “Choline is a type of B-vitamin that is found in eggs that is required for brain function and energy production.” Lastly, do not forget when you end up eating and throughout the day, to be drinking water. One special quality water has is keeping the muscles energized which will not only help you take that little 30 minute break we talked about but also focus when you go to study. After trying this tip you will be saying…

Lastly, lets talk about sleep deprivation. Most people during finals like to pull all nighters, or go to bed at like 3 am and wake up early the next day. Personally, my body shuts down so I go to bed like a grandma. I am not saying you can’t stay up till 1 but I am saying your body needs that 8 hours of sleep. I recommend skipping the nap you planned to take and use that time to study so you can go to bed earlier that night. Sleeping will help you maintain the information you studied. If you stay up all night, you eventually just look like this and don’t retain any information. If you don’t try these tips during your final you could end up like this…

I hope these tips are helpful. I know they are harder to do than say, but atleast adding one of these changes to your finals routine will help you immensely. The Mason Recreation team and I wish you the best of luck on your finals and hope to see you at the facilities!

Written By: Akyra Glaze