By SAND's Blog Editor: Michelle Maire
It’s that time of year again: midterms. With all the stress of studying, sleep deprivation, and staying current in your classes, going for that quick ride to McDonald’s sounds way easier than making a trip to the grocery store for some fresh food. As someone who is constantly on the go, I feel for you—but I also can tell you that staying healthy during stressful times doesn’t have to be so hard!
When you’re extra busy and can’t seem to find time to have a sit-down meal, don’t. Sounds counterintuitive, I know, but the key here is all about preparation. If you’re anticipating being stuck at the library for hours on end, prepare a couple of snacks beforehand. This can be as easy as grabbing a yogurt or some almonds, or even taking the time to quickly chop up celery and pack up peanut butter. In busy times like these, it’s best to eat small, frequent meals and snacks throughout the day to keep your blood sugar up. If you only eat a big meal every four to five hours (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), your blood sugar will dip long before you feel those hunger pangs. It’s especially important to keep your energy level up for all the studying and running around you have to do.
If you have time for a fifteen minute break during a chaotic schedule, stock up on some quick meals prior to these opportunities. Tuna is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids—which help with brain function—and oatmeal is a fibrous and satiating meal that will keep you full for longer. Don’t forget to constantly be drinking water: dehydration causes fatigue and will cause you to become unfocused in the times where you need to be!
Caffeine seems like the best option during hectic times, but easy does it. Just as fast as caffeine gives you immediate energy, it can also drop just as fast. Caffeine also can cause dehydration so it’s best to stick with water for most of the day! If you consume caffeine, in coffee or tea, try to have your last cup before two o’clock in the afternoon and limit yourself to three cups. If you drink caffeine late in the day, it can interrupt your sleep cycle that night and you’ll start from square one all over again in the morning.
For optimum energy, eat a large, healthy breakfast before you start your day. Don’t rush yourself to get out the door: the morning is your time to prepare for the day. There’s that word again: preparation. By preparing yourself and your body for the stressful times ahead, there will be less to anxiety during the days where you need to be the most productive. It’s a lot easier to incorporate healthy meals and snacks into your daily routine if you prepare for it, and by the time midterms are over, you can de-stress during spring break!
When you’re extra busy and can’t seem to find time to have a sit-down meal, don’t. Sounds counterintuitive, I know, but the key here is all about preparation. If you’re anticipating being stuck at the library for hours on end, prepare a couple of snacks beforehand. This can be as easy as grabbing a yogurt or some almonds, or even taking the time to quickly chop up celery and pack up peanut butter. In busy times like these, it’s best to eat small, frequent meals and snacks throughout the day to keep your blood sugar up. If you only eat a big meal every four to five hours (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), your blood sugar will dip long before you feel those hunger pangs. It’s especially important to keep your energy level up for all the studying and running around you have to do.
If you have time for a fifteen minute break during a chaotic schedule, stock up on some quick meals prior to these opportunities. Tuna is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids—which help with brain function—and oatmeal is a fibrous and satiating meal that will keep you full for longer. Don’t forget to constantly be drinking water: dehydration causes fatigue and will cause you to become unfocused in the times where you need to be!
Caffeine seems like the best option during hectic times, but easy does it. Just as fast as caffeine gives you immediate energy, it can also drop just as fast. Caffeine also can cause dehydration so it’s best to stick with water for most of the day! If you consume caffeine, in coffee or tea, try to have your last cup before two o’clock in the afternoon and limit yourself to three cups. If you drink caffeine late in the day, it can interrupt your sleep cycle that night and you’ll start from square one all over again in the morning.
For optimum energy, eat a large, healthy breakfast before you start your day. Don’t rush yourself to get out the door: the morning is your time to prepare for the day. There’s that word again: preparation. By preparing yourself and your body for the stressful times ahead, there will be less to anxiety during the days where you need to be the most productive. It’s a lot easier to incorporate healthy meals and snacks into your daily routine if you prepare for it, and by the time midterms are over, you can de-stress during spring break!