5 Tips for Staying on Track During Exams

Exam time is stressful for everyone. Between Starbucks runs, and late nights at the library, it can be difficult to find time to make it to the gym and eat healthy. Here are my 10 Tips for staying healthy during exams.

1. Pack lots of snacks to bring to campus

The healthy options on campus are limited - so pack your own instead! When you have plenty of healthy options on hand, it's less likely that you'll resort to purchasing greasy snacks instead. As well, greasy foods leave you feeling tired, which makes it difficult to study.

Alternatively, pack lots of healthy, nutritent-rich snacks that'll give you energy to stay awake and focuses. The easiest snacks to bring are portable. My favourites include Chocolate Fibre One bars (only 90 calories), and carrots and hummus. Click here for more easy study snack ideas.

2. Drink LOTS of water

It's important to remember to drink lots of water, especially when you're consuming several cups of coffee each day. Considering how coffee is a dieruetic (makes you poop), you can get super dehydrated if you are not pairing it with lots of water! If you're well-hydrated you'll have more energy to study.

Water also makes you feel full, reminding you to make smarter meal decisions because you won't be striken with hungry and a lack of satiety. I always bring my .5 gallon water bottle with me so that way I don't have to constantly get up to refill it. They cost only a few dollars, and you can get them from Walmart.

3. Get some sleep

It's hard to study when you're overtired! Drowsiness makes it difficult to focus on your work. Also, you lose more weight when you're fully rested. You'll have more energy to excercise and won't reach for quick-fixes to stay awake, like sugary energy drinks.

I study more efficently after I've had a full-night's rest, than when I try to study all through the night. It's better to get a good sleep, to feel recharged and wake up early the next day.

4. Use a workout class as a study break

Many gyms offer fitness classes. We're very lucky at Western to have a rec centre that offers plenty! Most classes run for 50 minutes and are a great excuse for a study break. During exams, we're often too stressed to go to the gym.

Signing up for a class eliminates the need to create a workout regimen when you're tight for time. Pick a time that works for you and plan ahead so that you'll be ready for a break when the time comes. Spin classes are an amazing workout and will help you work up a sweat.

I love taking these classes because I feel amazing afterwards. I take a shower, grab a Booster Juice, and often head back to the library, feeling refreshed and proud of myself. The Western class schedules are available here.

5. Eat Breakfast

Eating a nutrient-dense breakfast is a crucial part of a successful day of studying. A breakfast that's sufficient in carbohydrates and fibre will give you more energy and help you remember better. Also, you'll eat less throughout the day if you eat a filling breakfast.

I love making smoothies in the morning because they're quick and easy, and you can add lots of things in it to make it even healthier! Add-ins such as chia seeds, flax seeds, protein powder, and hemp seeds are great ways to add more nutrients to your smoothies. Click here for a simple Mint Chocolate Chocolate Chip smoothie recipe.

#Fitness