How to Stay Healthy during Exams

Exams = melt. Unfortunately, there’s no escape just at the minute. What could be worse? Answer: dealing with being sick and having to do exams. Gaah, no thanks.

Here’s how you can stay in tip top shape during your exams and then you’ll be able to celebrate with everyone else afterwards. Sweet!

Sleep perchance to dream

The run up to the exams can make you feel like you’re hamster wheeling, your life becomes so repetitive. Wake, study, eat, study, sleep, more study.

As the exams get closer, your time becomes even more precious and you won’t want to waste any vital cramming opportunities but you really do need to sleep. Sleep helps your brain and body restore and recover from the day’s activities. It also helps you be more productive and eat healthier, read more about the benefits of sleep here.

Eat healthily

(I know, another lightbulb moment!) This is not brand new information, I know. The Mammy’s of Ireland have been trying to engrave this on our brains for years now. 

But seriously cutting out the junk and only putting honest to goodness, nutritious food into your gob will really help you stay well and focused on absorbing as much information as possible at this crucial time. So what exactly is a balanced diet then? Here’s a handy graphic below:

If you have to snack then be a super snacker, go for fruit like bananas, blueberries or unsalted nuts and seed packs. There are loads of options and they don’t have to cost the earth.

Get your day off to a positive start by having a breakfast. For years, I confess I skipped brekkie because I'm just not a morning person and was always legging it (usually late). But I’ve since seen the error of my ways and enjoy the benefit of a champion breakfast. My brain gets switched on more easily and it really helps me to get out of my morning fug.

Say no to stimulants

OK so I don’t want to patronise you: there’s the obvious, don’t take anything illegal!  You should also try to reduce your intake of caffeine, alcohol and sugar-fest fizzy drinks too. 

These stimulants mean your blood sugar levels peak and it sets your whole system off balance, they can actually have more negative effects long term than the initial buzz you’ll experience. Stick with water, the occasional juice or smoothie and your brain and body will thank you.

Hydrate to stay great

Water gets your blood pumping (it improves your circulation and raises your blood pressure if you are hitting an energy dip, especially if the water is cold). In Ireland it’s recommended we drink 1.2 litres each day (six to eight glasses). 

Good old H2O helps you stay alert and focused on your study and bonus, it’s calorie free. It helps you digest your food and flushes out waste and toxins. It also helps your skin stay clear and healthy so there are beauty benefits too.

Get some exercise / stretch & move

Even a little exercise will help you with your studies. You’ll get your heart rate up and stretch out your muscles. If you’ve been hunched over a desk for several hours a day you’ll relish getting to stretch out your back and straighten up. It’ll also help your mental health, some fresh air in your lungs will give you a better perspective on everything. The exam stress is only for a short time and this too will pass. 

If you can’t get outside or the weather’s pants, try doing this short ‘Yoga to Wake up Your Body’ routine that’s only 4.34 minutes long from the famous ‘Yoga Girl’ Rachel Brathen. 

Taking time out

Taking time to unwind is as important as anything else. Let your brain switch off for a little bit and it’ll recharge faster. Let the stress melt away and you will feel better. You could take a leaf out of this little guy’s book and have a relaxing bath! (this gif is kind of hypnotic isn’t it?)

Griffith blogger Ellie has picked out two TED Talks here about the importance of mindfulness, check them out and give yourself a mental health break whilst you're at it.

Exam time is definitely a tough time for students. Just remember, though, soon you’ll be finished and enjoying your freedom in the summer sun. I wish you lots of luck with your exams and hope you stay well all the way through!