Exercise

Feelings of anxiousness, unhappiness, stress, or anger due to finals can be easily readjusted with a quick workout. Exercise can improve your mood, whether it is just a brisk 30 minute walk, a short jog, or quick weight lifting. Exercise can make you feel more relaxed and happier, boosting energy which will help with the exhaustion settling in after studying all day for finals. Sleep is also important and exercise helps to deepen your sleep as well as fall asleep more quickly; however do not exercise too close to bedtime because the boost in energy will make it harder to fall asleep.

Blueberries

Eating blueberries is proven to improve memory. They protect your brain from stress and reduce memory problems. Eating blueberries while studying can significantly help your memory and brain functions, helping you remember the material you have studied. Blueberries are also rich in fiber, which can relieve constipation and helps control blood sugar levels, so you do not get too hungry or tired.

Sleep

Sleep improves memory because though unconscious, your brain is still working while getting rest. Improving your memory leads to improving your grades, which is also a benefit of sleep. Studies have shown that children between ten and sixteen who have sleep disordered breathing are more likely to have problems with attention and learning. Sleep can also help with your attention span––kids who get less than eight hours of sleep tend to be more inattentive than those who sleep eight hours a night. Sleep also lowers stress helping relieve anxiety during finals week.

Nuts

Nuts of all sorts contain fiber, keeping you feeling full longer. Nuts are full of heart-healthy fats, fiber, protein, and other nutrients to keep your brain and body healthy. Nuts are good to snack on while studying or in between tests in order to keep your body energized.

Hydration

Not drinking enough water will cause dehydration. Dehydration can give you migraines and make you extremely tired. Drinking enough water is key to staying healthy during finals week and in preparation for summer. With the temperatures increasing, everyone needs to drink water to flush toxins from their bodies, making it easier to stay healthy and beat the heat. Drink throughout the day, aiming for around eight eight-ounce glasses of water a day.

Whole Grain

Whole grains are a complex carbohydrate, compounds that your body needs more time to digest. Longer digestion means you stay fuller longer and will feel hungry less often. Unlike white bread and other processed simple carbohydrates, whole grains will keep your blood sugar in line, preparing you for success.

Caffeine

Late night studying has many students reaching for caffeinated beverages to keep themselves awake, but research has show than caffeine also increases memory. Caffeine can boost your energy after a long night of studying allowing you to stay more focused. Be wary of caffeine, however, as too much can make you restless and anxious, affecting your ability to study for or focus on a test. Furthermore, drinking caffeine too late during the day or too much throughout the day may impact your sleep negatively.

Dark Chocolate

Chocolate’s sweet taste pleases the taste buds, so there’s no wonder why many students reach for it while stressed. Scientists have found that anxious people’s stress hormone levels decreased when they ate an 1.5 ounces of dark chocolate every day for 2 weeks. Studying for finals may make you feel like you are going insane, but even a small portion can calm a stressed mind. Not only will your stress levels magically decrease, chocolate will enhance your brain power. Drinking cocoa rich in flavonols, a type of antioxidant, help with blood flow to the brain for 2 to 3 hours, improving your performance just in time for finals.

Breakfast

Eating breakfast is vital on the day of finals. It will keep your blood sugar in check while also warding off distracting hunger There are many healthy and nutritious options to choose from. Toast two pieces of whole grain bread and spread with peanut butter, scramble some eggs with whole grain toast, or cook some oatmeal with some nuts. Add blueberries or any other serving of fruit to finish off your breakfast.