Finals: Tips

Sleep- On average, those who pull all-nighters have lower GPAs. Sleep deprivation is <5 hours/night so go to bed! And the artificial light from your phone stimulates the brain to keep you awake, so to fall asleep faster disconnect form your devices earlier in the evening.

Touch- Fidgety? Grab a stress ball or ask your RA to host a program where you make your own. Squeezing a stress ball can help you focus on cognitive tasks and it helps relax your muscles.

Smell- Certain scents like lavender and rosemary aid concentration and have a calming effect. Smelling a certain scent, such as a perfume while studying and during the exam may help with recall. The presence of a supportive friends has been proven to reduce stress; nasally sensing friends’ pheromones is the cause of this effect.

Taste- Healthy doses of milk & yogurt, oatmeal, blueberries, fish, dark bittersweet chocolate, banana’s and green veggies all have nutrients to help with concentration, energy, and cognitive functions. Remember water hydrates the brain, improving concentration and eliminating toxins.

Movement- 5 to 30 minutes of silent meditation or a focus on breathing each day releases tress. Hitting the gym releases endorphins to improve your mood and decrease health problems.