Eat For Your Grades

With a wintery wonderland of opportunities stretched before us over the next six weeks of freedom, the only thing standing in our way is the Hell week, or decathlon, that we know as Finals Week.  Although it is a tribulation that separates the dedicated from the phonies, all of us have experienced the scary apprehension of walking into an exam feeling unprepared.  By this point it seems silly to suggest study tips that will help you sail through your exams with unprecedented ease so I’ll instead give you some nutrition advice that will hopefully give you the academic boost of at least a letter grade on your finals.

Most students think exams are solely a test of your knowledge, but they are also a test of your multi-tasking and stress-management abilities.  As much as we like to think these abilities are gifts, there are ways that you can harness your mind and body to perform at their highest caliber.  

The easiest way to ensure your mind is functioning at its highest level is to give it fuel.  Put down the burgers and pancakes and decide to do yourself a favor by giving your body some “incredible, edible eggs”, some coffee, and some whole grain toast.  The combination of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates will fuel you over the next couple hours and the caffeine will give you the energy, focus, and good mood to tackle your first exam with the calm of a college pro.  For those of you with two exams in one day, don’t fret, focus on eating a salad in between and drinking lots of water to keep yourself hydrated.  Although these may seem corny, it’s imperative to treat finals week like you’re an athlete preparing for a big game.  

It may be tough to lay off the sweets or pizza for a whole week, but your transcript will thank you for the noticeable difference that will definitely show up.  Although the food is extremely important as fuel, it’s also important to deal with stress in the best possible manner.  Try going for a jog or working out in between finals or at some point during the day.  Finals week is like a marathon of stressful activities and some physical activity, though it seems misplaced, will bust stress and provide you with the calm necessary to study and prepare effectively.  

Although there is not full replacement for good old-fashioned knowledge, supplementing your diet with proper foods and responding to your body and mind’s needs during this stressful week will most definitely make a noticeable difference.  Good luck to all of you in your finals week endeavors and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.