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6 Fast Facts to Help Keep You Balanced During Finals

May 10, 2021

Here’s how to keep yourself balanced during finals:

1) All-Nighters Can Be Painful: We Don’t Recommend Them!

If you are staying up/pushing through:

• Limit your use of caffeine (avoid upset stomach, headache, palpitations and anxiety).
• Sleep in 4-hour increments. If you sleep less or only a little more than that, you will not feel as well-rested.

2) Your Ability To Remember Things May Be Affected By Your Sleep Habits

Sleep is believed to affect your ability to learn and recall information. See this great website for more details.

3)  Using Stimulant Medication (Like Adderall) When Not Rx’d To You Will Not Improve Your Grades

• According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “The average person who abuses prescription stimulants typically has lower grades than those who don’t abuse these drugs.”
• Stimulants have a long list of potential side effects, including seizures, dizziness and nausea, and are only safe if prescribed by a medical professional.

4) Have Some Water

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dehydration can cause changes in mood and difficulty with thinking and attention. Even mild dehydration can have a negative impact on you. Fill up your water bottle and carry it with you throughout the day as a reminder.

5) Eat Protein

• Foods like nuts, seeds, and dairy contain protein that can help you sustain brain energy throughout your day. Carbs/sugars can make your brain sluggish. Please remember to eat during finals — your body and mind need fuel to function properly!

6) Using Breathing Techniques Is a Great Way To Take a Break if Feeling Stressed

There are many breathing and meditation exercises to try and many apps and Youtube videos can be helpful to learn them.

Here are some helpful links to get you started.