Looking after yourself during the stressful study season can be challenging. Between exam studies, work and social life, it is often too much to handle at once. While passing your exam is probably the main goal at this moment, you do not want to leave your own health behind. Here are some helpful tips for staying healthy while studying for your exam.

Eat Well

Although studying is different from a physical workout, it’s still using a lot of mental energy. Mental activities such as thinking are powered by glucose. The fluctuations in glucose levels may trigger hunger and make you want to eat more. Getting fast food for a meal seems convenient for you, but it lacks nutrients, which could hurt immediate memory and learning processes. Diets high in fat and sugar may have a similar negative effect as well. Make sure you are consuming nutritious food. Foods that are rich in fiber, protein and healthy fats give your body enough energy to help you stay focused and feel full for a longer period. Nutritious snacks such as nuts and fruits are good options as a treat in between study breaks.

Get some sleep

A good night’s sleep can help your body stay active for the day. It is essential to maintain your best performance and concentrate on studying. If you are trying to read a few more source materials past midnight and still need to get up early for school or work, the negative impact  from  low-quality sleep will outpace your study progress, since you could forget what you learned due to a low level of concentration while studying. A good amount of high-quality sleep is essential, especially the night before your exam!

Exercise regularly

If you are someone like me who doesn’t exercise at all during study season, this is something that needs to be prioritized in your to-do list. It not only improves your concentration and memory, but it also helps you sleep better and lifts your mood. Physical activities such as jogging or riding a bike to get you moving can help you feel calmer and more relaxed, especially when you sit all day long studying in from your laptop. You may notice that your neck or back starts to feel sore after staying in the same position for a long time. That’s a sign that you need to take short posture breaks. Regular stretching routine can help with this too. When you come back from the break, don’t forget to sit ergonomically.

Manage stress level

Have you ever felt depressed to see your friends enjoying their time while you’re stuck at home studying? Have you ever been overwhelmed with the amount of study material and scared that you couldn’t finish it all? Have you ever felt exhausted and did not want to study after a long day of work or school? It’s clear that we’re under more pressure when studying for an exam. Mental health is just as important as physical health. On top of eating, sleeping and exercising well, there are additional things that you can do to help reduce your stress level.

1. Knowing your best time for studying can help you set up a more realistic study schedule. You also need to consider your other responsibilities with work/school or family/friends. With designated study sessions, you can maximize your productivity without burning yourself out. During other non-productive times, you can give yourself a break and do whatever you want.
2. Practicing mindfulness breaks each day can improve your emotional health and reduce stress levels. Try to slow down during a busy day, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Or find a space near the window and take a moment to look at everything there is to see. There are tons of ways to engage in mindfulness. Feel free to search on the web, find one that is suitable for you and give yourself a refreshment to begin a more effective study session.
3. If you feel like you are struggling, talk to someone. Another actuarial candidate might feel the same way as you do. When struggling, talk to friends, family, or your personal tutor about how you are feeling. Alternatively, don’t be afraid to seek professional help and support.

Now that you know how to maintain a healthy body, it’s time to get some study hours in. If you need some advice on that, check out Finding More Time in a Day: Tips and Tricks to Get those Study Hours In from our September 2022 issue. Also keep in mind, you don’t have to sacrifice everything to pass your exam. It’s totally fine even if you fail. The key is to find the right balance.