In this modern era, competition is intensifying more than ever. The supply of an educated workforce is exceeding the demand due to limited vacancies. As a result, students are under a lot of pressure to perform well, helping them stand out from other candidates. After all, academic results have a significant role in the resume, demonstrating your potential and expertise. Unfortunately, scoring straight A’s with 4 GPA is no easy feat.
Students encounter a myriad of social and academic obligations in schools and colleges. The overwhelming schedule can wreck sleep patterns, diet, and exercise regimes as students bury themselves inside books. Usually, the day begins with a morning class, followed by 15 minutes break, while completing assignments and projects in the evening. Some students have to pull all-nighters to prepare for exams. Do you recognize its consequences on health?
Believe it or not but compromising your health for anything is never worthwhile as it can turn the tables. Therefore, start focusing on your health. It boosts your mood and energy levels, helping you maintain a positive mindset. If you are clueless about it, have a look below. Here we are revealing some tips to stay healthy for improved academic performance.
1. SLEEP PROPERLY
Students have many things on their plates – exams, projects, finances, making them feel guilty for resting. Do you also assess the opportunity cost of sleeping? Undoubtfully, you can complete tons of work in those eight hours of sleep, but your body is unlikely to support it. The concentration levels would be low, making you feel anxious and stressed. A human body needs time to recharge, and this happens when you sleep. Remember, no matter how many credits for a bachelor’s degree are required, sacrificing on sleep is never an option.
Adequate sleep is necessary for physical and mental wellbeing as it strengthens your metabolism, improves memory, and enhances cognition. Hence, establish a regular sleeping pattern and complete your eight-hour-long beauty sleep every day. Finish all your pending tasks before midnight and try going to bed at the same time. Besides, sleep deprivation increases appetite, one of the significant reasons why students complain of weight gain.
2. BALANCE YOUR DIET
Unsurprisingly, students don’t have time to cook food for themselves. The majority of them are surviving on instant noodles and ready-to-eat food, which is not healthy. Nutritional status can directly affect a student’s mental capacity. For instance, an unhealthy diet can result in an iron deficiency that decreases dopamine transmission, affecting cognition. Similarly, if your body deprives of other essential minerals and vitamins, it can harm the learning process.
Although it can be troublesome to have a regular meal between assignments and classes, you can always pack some healthy snacks in the bag. If you don’t have time to cook, pack some carrots, apples, or almonds for snacks rather than buying chips or biscuits. Most importantly, whether you are running late to class or not, don’t miss breakfast. It starts your metabolism, giving a boost of energy, and controlling appetite throughout the day.
Alongside diet, watch your beverages since alcohol, soda, coffee, and soft drinks can have serious repercussions. Even one-shot vodka can absorb all nutrients from your body, affecting your performance. Likewise, keep an eye on caffeine consumption as it can result in dehydration. Stick to water and fresh juices to maintain your energy levels and score excellent grades.
3. STOP PROCRASTINATING
Many students write essay night before submission and finish homework before the class starts. If you do the same, you have to stop procrastinating. Firstly, don’t fool yourself by thinking you still have time. If you get distracted quickly, learn how to increase attention span – close social media tabs, and put your phone on the aeroplane mode. Although students have different studying techniques, try drawing mind maps by using bright stickers.
On the other hand, give yourself challenging deadlines as working without specific limits never helps. For maximum efficiency, separate your work and reward yourself for every effort. Once you stop procrastinating, you will automatically see declining stress levels. You will no longer feel anxious since the study schedule is progressing smoothly.
4. FIND TIME FOR YOUR HOBBIES
Indeed, student life is like having many irons in the fire, but one can set priorities. Even if it seems upstream to take out extra time, do things that make you happy. If you like playing badminton, spare a few minutes from your evening classes and hit the court. Besides, if you are passionate about painting, music, or knitting – join societies and clubs in your college. It relieves stress, lightens up your mood, and gets the creative juices flowing.
At the same time, consider doing something nice for yourself. It could be singing a song, attending a party, or starting a day late. Once you start doing what makes you happy, productivity would come as a bonus.
5. TAKE BREAKS & SOCIALIZE
Did you ever encounter a creative block? Sometimes, students are trying to focus, but they don’t feel productive at all. You might find yourself on the study table for hours with zero output because of excessive pressure on the brain. Instead of pushing yourself, take a 5-10-minute break after every hour. You can watch a video clip, surf through social media, or have a little chit-chat with your roommate. After all, socializing can energize your brain quickly.
If you are enjoying the hostel life, utilize these breaks to catch up with your family. Give a surprise video call to your mom or dad and tell how things are going at your end. Likewise, you can call an old friend to unwind your mind. Moreover, read something soothing and inspirational to motivate yourself to study.
WRAP UP
Every student has the potential to thrive but failing to keep up with health ruins their performance. Sleep deprivation, lack of physical activity, and junk food drain their strength while affecting cognitive functioning. You might be taking notes and revising again and again, but nothing seems to work if your mind is unable to concentrate. Therefore, when it comes to improving academic performance, prioritize your health before anything else.
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